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A Marriage of Fortune
England, 1469. As the War of the Roses rages on, Margaret Paston knows that there is only one way to survive the loss of the Paston's family seat, Caister Castle: a fortunate marriage for one of her unruly daughters. A favourable match will change the future of her family overnight but a scandal will ruin the Paston name forever...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
267 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Anne O'Brien
66 books775 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
My home is in the Welsh Marches, although much of my early life was spent in Yorkshire, most recently in the East Riding.Ann O'Brien The Marches is a remote region of England, surrounded by echoes from the past. Hereford is close with its famous Mappa Mundi and chained library.So is Shrewsbury, and also Ludlow with its splendid castle and its connections with our Plantagenet and Tudor kings. With my husband, I live in an eighteenth century timber framed cottage, which itself must have seen much history over two hundred years.
I have always enjoyed the appeal of History.I taught the subject with enthusiasm but it became my ambition to write historical romances. My first novel, The Runaway Heiress, was published by Mills and Boon in 2004.
This first book was a Regency Romance in the great tradition of Georgette Heyer - who has not admired her skill and delicate touch for the period? I have drawn on my interest in the Stuart century to write about the English Civil War and Restoration England of Charles II. Living in the Marches however I soon discovered the wealth of atmosphere and legend in this isolated part of England from medieval times. It was not long before I was encouraged to create a medieval romance inConquering Knight, Captive Lady.
When not writing, I have a large rambling garden where George and I grow organic vegetables and soft fruit - or perhaps I should admit that he grows them whilst I pick and cook them. We have a wild garden, an orchard, a formal pond and herbaceous flower borders. We share it all with rabbits and pheasants, frogs and goldfinches, hedgehogs and buzzards. It is a beautiful place. When we first settled into our cottage I planted a herb garden on a Tudor pattern with stone pathways and clipped box hedges. From this I developed my interest in herbs and their uses.
Nicholas Culpeper's The Complete Herbal, a fascinating resource to a historical novelist first published in 1649, has become essential bedside reading. As a result the use of herbs in medicine and witchcraft, for both good and ill, has appeared in some of my novels.
For pure relaxation I enjoy yoga as well as singing with a local Choral Society. Watercolour painting allows me to simply sit and appreciate the landscape and the flowers in my garden, when my mind is busy constructing my next plot.
My home is in the Welsh Marches, although much of my early life was spent in Yorkshire, most recently in the East Riding.Ann O'Brien The Marches is a remote region of England, surrounded by echoes from the past. Hereford is close with its famous Mappa Mundi and chained library.So is Shrewsbury, and also Ludlow with its splendid castle and its connections with our Plantagenet and Tudor kings. With my husband, I live in an eighteenth century timber framed cottage, which itself must have seen much history over two hundred years.
I have always enjoyed the appeal of History.I taught the subject with enthusiasm but it became my ambition to write historical romances. My first novel, The Runaway Heiress, was published by Mills and Boon in 2004.
This first book was a Regency Romance in the great tradition of Georgette Heyer - who has not admired her skill and delicate touch for the period? I have drawn on my interest in the Stuart century to write about the English Civil War and Restoration England of Charles II. Living in the Marches however I soon discovered the wealth of atmosphere and legend in this isolated part of England from medieval times. It was not long before I was encouraged to create a medieval romance inConquering Knight, Captive Lady.
When not writing, I have a large rambling garden where George and I grow organic vegetables and soft fruit - or perhaps I should admit that he grows them whilst I pick and cook them. We have a wild garden, an orchard, a formal pond and herbaceous flower borders. We share it all with rabbits and pheasants, frogs and goldfinches, hedgehogs and buzzards. It is a beautiful place. When we first settled into our cottage I planted a herb garden on a Tudor pattern with stone pathways and clipped box hedges. From this I developed my interest in herbs and their uses.
Nicholas Culpeper's The Complete Herbal, a fascinating resource to a historical novelist first published in 1649, has become essential bedside reading. As a result the use of herbs in medicine and witchcraft, for both good and ill, has appeared in some of my novels.
For pure relaxation I enjoy yoga as well as singing with a local Choral Society. Watercolour painting allows me to simply sit and appreciate the landscape and the flowers in my garden, when my mind is busy constructing my next plot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 30, 2022
This is a strong and compelling historical fiction, a family saga ful of emotions and actions.
I liked the fleshed out characters, the vivid historical background, and the solid plot.
The author is an excellent storyteller.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
I liked the fleshed out characters, the vivid historical background, and the solid plot.
The author is an excellent storyteller.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
November 27, 2022
Anne O'Brien is a Queen of historical fiction in her own right. The pages are steeped in historical detail and tell the story of multiple women during this time. An interesting insight. Historical storytelling at its finest.
September 22, 2025
Unsure why I kept reading it after 30% but it's done now
January 22, 2023
This sequel to The Royal Game continues the story of the Paston family. The Pastons were an influential Norfolk family during the 15th century and left behind a collection of private correspondence, known as the Paston Letters, which are a valuable source of information on life in England at this time. In this novel and her previous one, Anne O’Brien brings the story of the Pastons to life, using their letters to provide the outline of the plot. You could read this book as a standalone if you wanted to, but I would recommend reading both in order if you can.
A Marriage of Fortune is again narrated by several of the Paston women. First there’s Margaret Mautby Paston, now a widow with seven children. Her eldest son, Sir John, is now head of the family following the death of his father, but Margaret still takes an active part in managing the household, arranging the marriages of her younger children and continuing the ongoing feud against the Duke of Norfolk over the ownership of Caister Castle. Margaret’s priority is seeing that the Pastons continue to rise through the ranks of society, so she is furious when her eldest daughter Margery announces that she is in love with the family bailiff, Richard Calle. She refuses to allow a marriage between the two, but is unprepared for the lengths to which Margery is prepared to go.
The relationship between Margaret and Margery is very sad to read about. Margery is another of our narrators, which means we get to know exactly how she feels about her mother’s refusal to accept her love for Richard and the family estrangement that occurs as a result. Margaret believes that a daughter’s first duty should be to her parents and that Margery has no right to consider her own happiness, but there’s always a sense that she might come to regret taking this stance and we are kept wondering whether mother and daughter will be reconciled in the end.
We also hear from Margaret’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth Paston Poynings, whose husband has been killed fighting on the Yorkist side at the Second Battle of St Alban’s, leaving her a widow with a young son. Like Margaret, Elizabeth has found herself facing a struggle to hold on to her late husband’s estates, which are being claimed by the powerful Percy family. A fourth narrator is Anne Haute, cousin of Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV’s queen. Anne is betrothed to Margaret’s son, Sir John Paston, but with the rapidly changing political situation in England – Edward IV on the throne one minute, Henry VI the next – it seems that Sir John is reluctant to either make the marriage official or release her from it. I had a lot of sympathy for poor Anne when she begins to discover that she’s wasted years of her life on a man who clearly doesn’t really love her.
I enjoyed A Marriage of Fortune; this is one of my favourite periods to read about, but I still haven’t read the original Paston Letters or Helen Castor’s non-fiction account of them, Blood and Roses, despite having had the latter on my TBR pile for several years now. This was maybe a good thing as far as this novel was concerned, as it meant that although I was familiar with the historical background – the kings and queens, the battles and rebellions – I didn’t know the personal stories of the individual Paston family members, so I never knew what was going to happen to them next. However, I do think this novel, like the first one, was slightly too long, with a lot of information packed into it. It may have been better to have focused on fewer characters; Elizabeth Poynings’ story, in particular, felt very separate from the others and could possibly have been left out.
I’m not sure whether there will be a third book on the Pastons or whether Anne O’Brien will be moving on to something else now. Either way, she always chooses interesting historical women to write about so I know it will be worth looking forward to.
A Marriage of Fortune is again narrated by several of the Paston women. First there’s Margaret Mautby Paston, now a widow with seven children. Her eldest son, Sir John, is now head of the family following the death of his father, but Margaret still takes an active part in managing the household, arranging the marriages of her younger children and continuing the ongoing feud against the Duke of Norfolk over the ownership of Caister Castle. Margaret’s priority is seeing that the Pastons continue to rise through the ranks of society, so she is furious when her eldest daughter Margery announces that she is in love with the family bailiff, Richard Calle. She refuses to allow a marriage between the two, but is unprepared for the lengths to which Margery is prepared to go.
The relationship between Margaret and Margery is very sad to read about. Margery is another of our narrators, which means we get to know exactly how she feels about her mother’s refusal to accept her love for Richard and the family estrangement that occurs as a result. Margaret believes that a daughter’s first duty should be to her parents and that Margery has no right to consider her own happiness, but there’s always a sense that she might come to regret taking this stance and we are kept wondering whether mother and daughter will be reconciled in the end.
We also hear from Margaret’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth Paston Poynings, whose husband has been killed fighting on the Yorkist side at the Second Battle of St Alban’s, leaving her a widow with a young son. Like Margaret, Elizabeth has found herself facing a struggle to hold on to her late husband’s estates, which are being claimed by the powerful Percy family. A fourth narrator is Anne Haute, cousin of Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV’s queen. Anne is betrothed to Margaret’s son, Sir John Paston, but with the rapidly changing political situation in England – Edward IV on the throne one minute, Henry VI the next – it seems that Sir John is reluctant to either make the marriage official or release her from it. I had a lot of sympathy for poor Anne when she begins to discover that she’s wasted years of her life on a man who clearly doesn’t really love her.
I enjoyed A Marriage of Fortune; this is one of my favourite periods to read about, but I still haven’t read the original Paston Letters or Helen Castor’s non-fiction account of them, Blood and Roses, despite having had the latter on my TBR pile for several years now. This was maybe a good thing as far as this novel was concerned, as it meant that although I was familiar with the historical background – the kings and queens, the battles and rebellions – I didn’t know the personal stories of the individual Paston family members, so I never knew what was going to happen to them next. However, I do think this novel, like the first one, was slightly too long, with a lot of information packed into it. It may have been better to have focused on fewer characters; Elizabeth Poynings’ story, in particular, felt very separate from the others and could possibly have been left out.
I’m not sure whether there will be a third book on the Pastons or whether Anne O’Brien will be moving on to something else now. Either way, she always chooses interesting historical women to write about so I know it will be worth looking forward to.
December 31, 2022
This is the third (and most certainly not the last) of Anne O’Brien’s books that I have read. A Marriage of Fortune is the sequel to The Royal Game, which I thought was absolutely fantastic.
I really enjoyed seeing what was next for the Paston women and family, although with this stage in their story I found myself feeling more touched, and even tearful, I suppose as I now ‘know’ the characters so well.
As ever, Anne O’Brien impresses with quality of her writing, I found it captivating and often moving. Though written from multiple perspectives, of lives that intertwine, I felt able to understand and empathise with each easily. I like and appreciate that the Paston story is that of real people, and whilst they had links with the Royal Court were not Royalty or nobility but on the up (dear Margaret trying so very hard) as gentry – which offered an interesting insight into the lives of those in this position, as the majority of historical fiction from this period tends to focus on the Kings, Queens, and higher powers within England.
I really don’t want the story to end! I am not sure if there will be any further books in the Paston series, however I would love to know how things work out for Jonty and Gilly, as well as Anne, and the younger siblings. I may have to do my own research to satisfy my curiosity!
Highly recommend this and the first in the series, you will be hooked!
I really enjoyed seeing what was next for the Paston women and family, although with this stage in their story I found myself feeling more touched, and even tearful, I suppose as I now ‘know’ the characters so well.
As ever, Anne O’Brien impresses with quality of her writing, I found it captivating and often moving. Though written from multiple perspectives, of lives that intertwine, I felt able to understand and empathise with each easily. I like and appreciate that the Paston story is that of real people, and whilst they had links with the Royal Court were not Royalty or nobility but on the up (dear Margaret trying so very hard) as gentry – which offered an interesting insight into the lives of those in this position, as the majority of historical fiction from this period tends to focus on the Kings, Queens, and higher powers within England.
I really don’t want the story to end! I am not sure if there will be any further books in the Paston series, however I would love to know how things work out for Jonty and Gilly, as well as Anne, and the younger siblings. I may have to do my own research to satisfy my curiosity!
Highly recommend this and the first in the series, you will be hooked!
January 21, 2023
Although the Tudor period is often said to be the favourite, there is a lot to be said about the years before. The Wars of the Roses are a fascinating time in history, with some excellent characters and plenty of scandal and war.
A Marriage of Fortune begins two decades before the Battle of Bosworth. It’s a time of turmoil across England and political marriages were often expected to forge alliances and save old families from ruin. It is a tale of the women, each looking to find a balance between their heads and hearts. Marrying for love could ruin them, but marrying for financial or political gain could make them miserable.
The story is a good one, with plenty of detail that adds to the reading experience. It’s rich, vivid and entertaining. Characters are all strong-willed and determined, but their ambitions are all different. It’s a nice change to read about lesser-known people from history and see how those outside of the inner workings of court lived and worked.
Although the description does add to the story, it feels a little excessive in places. The book is much too long and at times I found my attention wandering. After such a dramatic opening, the book’s ending is quite underwhelming and a let down after committing so much time to reading it.
A really interesting read, but a little slow and wordy.
A Marriage of Fortune begins two decades before the Battle of Bosworth. It’s a time of turmoil across England and political marriages were often expected to forge alliances and save old families from ruin. It is a tale of the women, each looking to find a balance between their heads and hearts. Marrying for love could ruin them, but marrying for financial or political gain could make them miserable.
The story is a good one, with plenty of detail that adds to the reading experience. It’s rich, vivid and entertaining. Characters are all strong-willed and determined, but their ambitions are all different. It’s a nice change to read about lesser-known people from history and see how those outside of the inner workings of court lived and worked.
Although the description does add to the story, it feels a little excessive in places. The book is much too long and at times I found my attention wandering. After such a dramatic opening, the book’s ending is quite underwhelming and a let down after committing so much time to reading it.
A really interesting read, but a little slow and wordy.
September 27, 2023
Although I enjoyed this book in part, I also felt I was ploughing through heavy clay. The device of writing in the first person and changing that person in each chapter works well and gives many points of view. However, it would have been good to have a slightly different style and "voice" depending on who was speaking. Instead we have a rather terse, flat style for everyone. What irked me most were the main protagonists. i could not warm to Margaret Paston, or to her eldest son Sir John. One is far too opinionated, the other a wastrel. His love affair with Anne Haute is not really believable. In fact we never get to hear from the men themselves.
It would have been interesting to know what was historical as brought to light by the recently discovered Paston papers and what was dramatic license.
Towards the end of the book, the war of the roses running on as a watermark is more interesting than the earlier seemingly endless anxieties about finding a husband worthy of their social rank.
The wordy assurances of eternal love are rather flat, except for Eliza and her second husband.
The depiction of life in the XVth century, the lack of proper medicine or medical knowledge make me be thankful that i live in the XXIth century!
Perhaps not the best O'Brien's book.
It would have been interesting to know what was historical as brought to light by the recently discovered Paston papers and what was dramatic license.
Towards the end of the book, the war of the roses running on as a watermark is more interesting than the earlier seemingly endless anxieties about finding a husband worthy of their social rank.
The wordy assurances of eternal love are rather flat, except for Eliza and her second husband.
The depiction of life in the XVth century, the lack of proper medicine or medical knowledge make me be thankful that i live in the XXIth century!
Perhaps not the best O'Brien's book.
August 21, 2023
What a fantastic book. I wanted it to go on and on. Anne O'Brien is a wonderful writer and the audiobook narration was masterful.
A Marriage of Fortune picks up where The Royal Game left off, but is a lot bleaker than the latter. It focuses on Margaret Mautby-Paston and her eldest sons Sir John and Jonty's attempts to hold on to Caister Castle and their other properties, find suitable alliances for daughters Margery and Anne, and navigate a time of extraordinary political upheaval as the Wars of the Roses progress.
The book starts with Margery in love with the family bailiff Richard Calle, and Sir John continuing to put off formalizing his marriage to Mistress Anne Haute, the queen's cousin. As the book progresses, Margaret has to figure out acceptable settlements to negotiate the marriages of Jonty and Anne Paston, while holding on to the Paston manors and trying to save her mother-in-law's inheritance from going into the hands of the ambitious William, Margaret's brother-in-law.
The other narrators of the book each has their own problems. Margery has to choose between Richard Calle and her family. Anne Haute grows increasingly frustrated with Sir John's lack of commitment. Elizabeth Paston-Poynings, Margaret's sister-in-law finds happiness after many years. The meeting of Elizabeth and Margaret towards the end of the book is especially touching. While Eliza was arguably the most tragic figure of the 1st book, being abused by her mother Mistress Agnes and not being able to find a suitable husband, her story is far from the worst in this book.
The reader feels deeply for both the Annes. Anne Haute, an intelligent, beautiful woman who is forced because of one mistake to waste the prime years of her life married to a man who is completely non-committal; and Anne Paston, who has to pay the price for her sister's actions. The sacrifice of Anne Paston on the altar of the Paston family's ambitions is in stark contrast with the efforts taken by Margaret to achieve a good match for Jonty. Sir John too, is never taken to task for his lack of commitment to his marriage and failure to produce a Paston heir; the same cannot be said for Margery, who is ostracized for falling in love with Richard Calle. Eliza is forced to accept the decisions taken by her husband and son to participate in the Wars of the Roses, with no say in the matter but knowing fully well that she would be the one facing the consequences. Anne O'Brien masterfully brings out how life was much more difficult for women at the time.
I also enjoyed how Anne O'Brien subtly brings out the difference between John Paston, Margaret's husband who dies in the first book, and their eldest sons. John Paston is almost Machiavellian; he is ambitious, hardworking, and single-minded in his focus on expanding the Paston acres. In contrast, neither of his elder sons can compare. Sir John is ambitious but unwilling to put in the work; Jonty is somewhat dutiful but essentially an easygoing personality. The pressure their behavior puts on their mother is very interesting.
Overall, this was a fantastic read about a very interesting family.
A Marriage of Fortune picks up where The Royal Game left off, but is a lot bleaker than the latter. It focuses on Margaret Mautby-Paston and her eldest sons Sir John and Jonty's attempts to hold on to Caister Castle and their other properties, find suitable alliances for daughters Margery and Anne, and navigate a time of extraordinary political upheaval as the Wars of the Roses progress.
The book starts with Margery in love with the family bailiff Richard Calle, and Sir John continuing to put off formalizing his marriage to Mistress Anne Haute, the queen's cousin. As the book progresses, Margaret has to figure out acceptable settlements to negotiate the marriages of Jonty and Anne Paston, while holding on to the Paston manors and trying to save her mother-in-law's inheritance from going into the hands of the ambitious William, Margaret's brother-in-law.
The other narrators of the book each has their own problems. Margery has to choose between Richard Calle and her family. Anne Haute grows increasingly frustrated with Sir John's lack of commitment. Elizabeth Paston-Poynings, Margaret's sister-in-law finds happiness after many years. The meeting of Elizabeth and Margaret towards the end of the book is especially touching. While Eliza was arguably the most tragic figure of the 1st book, being abused by her mother Mistress Agnes and not being able to find a suitable husband, her story is far from the worst in this book.
The reader feels deeply for both the Annes. Anne Haute, an intelligent, beautiful woman who is forced because of one mistake to waste the prime years of her life married to a man who is completely non-committal; and Anne Paston, who has to pay the price for her sister's actions. The sacrifice of Anne Paston on the altar of the Paston family's ambitions is in stark contrast with the efforts taken by Margaret to achieve a good match for Jonty. Sir John too, is never taken to task for his lack of commitment to his marriage and failure to produce a Paston heir; the same cannot be said for Margery, who is ostracized for falling in love with Richard Calle. Eliza is forced to accept the decisions taken by her husband and son to participate in the Wars of the Roses, with no say in the matter but knowing fully well that she would be the one facing the consequences. Anne O'Brien masterfully brings out how life was much more difficult for women at the time.
I also enjoyed how Anne O'Brien subtly brings out the difference between John Paston, Margaret's husband who dies in the first book, and their eldest sons. John Paston is almost Machiavellian; he is ambitious, hardworking, and single-minded in his focus on expanding the Paston acres. In contrast, neither of his elder sons can compare. Sir John is ambitious but unwilling to put in the work; Jonty is somewhat dutiful but essentially an easygoing personality. The pressure their behavior puts on their mother is very interesting.
Overall, this was a fantastic read about a very interesting family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
Anne O’Brien has fast become one of my favoured historical novelists. She always picks wonderful females in royal history, be it princess, queen or mistress, from my favourite medieval period.
Her past two books however focused on the Paston family of Norfolk, who by a few fortuitous marriages raised their status from peasants to nobles. Much of the knowledge about the family can be found in the many letters written to one another, a wonderful primary source of information.
The Paston women were incredibly strong and resilient, fighting for their family name as much as their menfolk did within noble and royal circles, making themselves known as excellent lawyers.
The reality of pride and position in the fifteenth century is well expressed, with the sense of shame and ridicule if marriages were made for love, especially with someone of the lower classes, and arranged marriages often leaving very unhappy daughters having to put up with their lot.
Margery Paston showed her strength in the first book as she fought for her family’s right to the inheritance left in wills that were contested. Her indomitable character continues as she faces much opposition, fears the Paston name is open to much derision, strives to encourage her sons to produce heirs to inherit their hard-won estates and refuses to let her demeanour slip. She suffers terrible losses and much regret and grief, especially from the marriages her daughters make and deaths of many loved ones.
I especially enjoyed the story of her sister-in-law, Eliza, in the first book and was pleased that her story is continued. A woman of much strength and compassion, Eliza also has a lifetime of many struggles but her Paston name and strong character stands true throughout many tribulations although it is gratifying to read about the joy she did have in her life.
With the Wars of the Roses as the background to the story of the Paston family, and affiliations to York, Lancaster and even Tudor changing at times, the family has to tread carefully and make difficult decisions to navigate their way through such dangerous and troubling times.
I continue to recommend Anne O’Brien as an incredible historian and writer and look forward to reading her new book based on the life of Joan De Geneville, wife of the infamous Roger Mortimer.
Her past two books however focused on the Paston family of Norfolk, who by a few fortuitous marriages raised their status from peasants to nobles. Much of the knowledge about the family can be found in the many letters written to one another, a wonderful primary source of information.
The Paston women were incredibly strong and resilient, fighting for their family name as much as their menfolk did within noble and royal circles, making themselves known as excellent lawyers.
The reality of pride and position in the fifteenth century is well expressed, with the sense of shame and ridicule if marriages were made for love, especially with someone of the lower classes, and arranged marriages often leaving very unhappy daughters having to put up with their lot.
Margery Paston showed her strength in the first book as she fought for her family’s right to the inheritance left in wills that were contested. Her indomitable character continues as she faces much opposition, fears the Paston name is open to much derision, strives to encourage her sons to produce heirs to inherit their hard-won estates and refuses to let her demeanour slip. She suffers terrible losses and much regret and grief, especially from the marriages her daughters make and deaths of many loved ones.
I especially enjoyed the story of her sister-in-law, Eliza, in the first book and was pleased that her story is continued. A woman of much strength and compassion, Eliza also has a lifetime of many struggles but her Paston name and strong character stands true throughout many tribulations although it is gratifying to read about the joy she did have in her life.
With the Wars of the Roses as the background to the story of the Paston family, and affiliations to York, Lancaster and even Tudor changing at times, the family has to tread carefully and make difficult decisions to navigate their way through such dangerous and troubling times.
I continue to recommend Anne O’Brien as an incredible historian and writer and look forward to reading her new book based on the life of Joan De Geneville, wife of the infamous Roger Mortimer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
A Marriage of Fortune - Anne O’Brien
England. 1469. A fortunate marriage will change history. A scandal could destroy everything... Margaret Paston, matriarch of the Paston family, knows that a favourable match for one of her unruly daughters is the only way to survive the loss of their recently acquired Caister Castle. But as the War of the Roses rages on, dangerous enemies will threaten even her best laid plans. Margery Paston, her eldest daughter, has always strived to uphold the Paston name and do her mother proud. But when she loses her heart to a man below her station, she must make a terrible choice: will she betray her family and risk everything for a chance at true love? Anne Haute, first cousin to the Queen, is embroiled in a longstanding betrothal to Sir John Paston, the eldest son and heir to the Paston seat. But despite his promises, Anne can't help but doubt that he will ever keep his word and make her his wife... In the midst of civil war, each of these women must decide: Head or heart? Love or duty? Reputation- or scandal?
What I love about Anne O’Briens books is that they are based in historical fact. The Paston’s existed, they wrote a lot of letters and their lives are documented incredibly for us. Margery Paston and the families bailiff Richard Calle really did have a ‘love affair’ and they married in secret much to the Paston’s despair. This is told so beautifully, these feel like real people, my heart went out to them. I also really felt for Anne Haute, trapped into a ‘marriage’ with Sir John Paston who is frankly a bit of a drip! The machinations of the medieval marriage market were something to behold that’s for sure! These womens lives; Margaret, Margery and Anne are told in rich detail, I also loved the stories of Elizabeth and Gilly. What a bunch of strong women these were, their lives were real, love, desire, loss and war were all part and parcel of the times. I was totally immersed in this book and couldn’t put it down!
‘Were all Paston women, even if they discovered love, fated to experience loss and heartbreak?’
A wonderful piece of historical fiction, richly woven, utterly entrancing and keeps you reading, if you haven’t discovered these books yet, please pick one up, they are worth it!
England. 1469. A fortunate marriage will change history. A scandal could destroy everything... Margaret Paston, matriarch of the Paston family, knows that a favourable match for one of her unruly daughters is the only way to survive the loss of their recently acquired Caister Castle. But as the War of the Roses rages on, dangerous enemies will threaten even her best laid plans. Margery Paston, her eldest daughter, has always strived to uphold the Paston name and do her mother proud. But when she loses her heart to a man below her station, she must make a terrible choice: will she betray her family and risk everything for a chance at true love? Anne Haute, first cousin to the Queen, is embroiled in a longstanding betrothal to Sir John Paston, the eldest son and heir to the Paston seat. But despite his promises, Anne can't help but doubt that he will ever keep his word and make her his wife... In the midst of civil war, each of these women must decide: Head or heart? Love or duty? Reputation- or scandal?
What I love about Anne O’Briens books is that they are based in historical fact. The Paston’s existed, they wrote a lot of letters and their lives are documented incredibly for us. Margery Paston and the families bailiff Richard Calle really did have a ‘love affair’ and they married in secret much to the Paston’s despair. This is told so beautifully, these feel like real people, my heart went out to them. I also really felt for Anne Haute, trapped into a ‘marriage’ with Sir John Paston who is frankly a bit of a drip! The machinations of the medieval marriage market were something to behold that’s for sure! These womens lives; Margaret, Margery and Anne are told in rich detail, I also loved the stories of Elizabeth and Gilly. What a bunch of strong women these were, their lives were real, love, desire, loss and war were all part and parcel of the times. I was totally immersed in this book and couldn’t put it down!
‘Were all Paston women, even if they discovered love, fated to experience loss and heartbreak?’
A wonderful piece of historical fiction, richly woven, utterly entrancing and keeps you reading, if you haven’t discovered these books yet, please pick one up, they are worth it!
January 31, 2024
An outstanding book focusing on women navigating their way through Norfolk life during the War of the Roses.
In 1469 Margaret Paton finds herself a widow struggling to keep her family on a socially upward trajectory with the threat of the loss of lands and, particularly, Caister Castle. In order to push upwards it's imperative that she finds good husbands for her two daughters and, preferably, landed wives for her sons who might bring a good dowry with them.
When her daughter Margery falls in love with the family baliff, Richard, it looks as though all of Margaret's plans may unravel. The consequences of Margery's choice leave her family ties severed and her sister pushed into a loveless relationship. Meanwhile, one brother has inherited the title of his father but his indolence puts everything in peril while he toys with the heart of a lady at court. Second son, Jonty, is clueless in the art of courtly wooing and the littlest boys plough on with their education.
Margaret's efforts to keep the family name with dignity are challenged at every turn and individuals are sacrificed for the sake of legacy. Old wounds and family tensions run high as the crown shifts from Edward IV to Richard and the consequent challenge with an uprising for Henry Tudor. Loyalties are challenged and old scores reawakened as hope and grief mingle in the unfolding narrative.
I hadn't realised that this is a sequel to O'Brians's book 'The Royal Game', so this was my first introduction to the Peston women. Events are based on correspondence between the real and influential family of Pestons who lived in Norfolk in the fifteenth century. The story is told from the points of view of several women including Margaret's sister-in-law Elizabeth, and the unfortunate Anne Haute, cousin of Elizabeth Woodville and the object of the young commitment phobic Sir John's affection. The setting and historical detail are woven together beautifully. If I have any criticism it's simply that the book is rather longer than it perhaps needed to be. That won't stop me seeking out the first one though, or others by this author.
In 1469 Margaret Paton finds herself a widow struggling to keep her family on a socially upward trajectory with the threat of the loss of lands and, particularly, Caister Castle. In order to push upwards it's imperative that she finds good husbands for her two daughters and, preferably, landed wives for her sons who might bring a good dowry with them.
When her daughter Margery falls in love with the family baliff, Richard, it looks as though all of Margaret's plans may unravel. The consequences of Margery's choice leave her family ties severed and her sister pushed into a loveless relationship. Meanwhile, one brother has inherited the title of his father but his indolence puts everything in peril while he toys with the heart of a lady at court. Second son, Jonty, is clueless in the art of courtly wooing and the littlest boys plough on with their education.
Margaret's efforts to keep the family name with dignity are challenged at every turn and individuals are sacrificed for the sake of legacy. Old wounds and family tensions run high as the crown shifts from Edward IV to Richard and the consequent challenge with an uprising for Henry Tudor. Loyalties are challenged and old scores reawakened as hope and grief mingle in the unfolding narrative.
I hadn't realised that this is a sequel to O'Brians's book 'The Royal Game', so this was my first introduction to the Peston women. Events are based on correspondence between the real and influential family of Pestons who lived in Norfolk in the fifteenth century. The story is told from the points of view of several women including Margaret's sister-in-law Elizabeth, and the unfortunate Anne Haute, cousin of Elizabeth Woodville and the object of the young commitment phobic Sir John's affection. The setting and historical detail are woven together beautifully. If I have any criticism it's simply that the book is rather longer than it perhaps needed to be. That won't stop me seeking out the first one though, or others by this author.
January 22, 2023
𝘼 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮. 𝘼 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.
Travel back to medieval times to the 15th Century in the midst of the War of the Roses and meet the influential Paston family of Norfolk. In particular three women that have the choice to either follow their heart or their heads:
- Margaret Paston, the matriarch of the Paston family who knows her unruly daughter must find a favourable match in order to survive the loss of Caister Castle.
- Margery Paston, the eldest daughter has to make a difficult decision to stay loyal to her family and fulfil her duty as a daughter to the Paston estate or risk it all for true love with someone below her station.
- Mistress Anne Haute, first cousin to the queen, is unsure of her status as she has been betrothed to Sir John Paston for many years without a commitment of marriage.
Despite the ongoing battle of war, threats of treason and betrayal, this is a gentle story that transports the reader into the lives of these women. The storytelling is immersive and I felt like I was watching a period drama. It was illuminating to read the overwhelming sense of duty that these women feel and that they play a role to further the future and reputation of the family name. Their stories may not be full of violence and physical in defence but I enjoyed how the author brings these stories to life highlighting the strength and sacrifice of women. I particularly enjoyed Margaret Paston’s negotiating skills to influence the siege against Caister Castle in order to support her son in defending it.
While the Paston family live comfortable lives, they are not immune to the consequences of war (the victory of Edward IV puts the Paston’s sons in danger) and the spread of the plague which results in family loss and grief.
This is an enjoyable read if you love authors like Joanna Hickson, Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir. I’ve certainly learnt a lot about a fascinating family in Norfolk.
Travel back to medieval times to the 15th Century in the midst of the War of the Roses and meet the influential Paston family of Norfolk. In particular three women that have the choice to either follow their heart or their heads:
- Margaret Paston, the matriarch of the Paston family who knows her unruly daughter must find a favourable match in order to survive the loss of Caister Castle.
- Margery Paston, the eldest daughter has to make a difficult decision to stay loyal to her family and fulfil her duty as a daughter to the Paston estate or risk it all for true love with someone below her station.
- Mistress Anne Haute, first cousin to the queen, is unsure of her status as she has been betrothed to Sir John Paston for many years without a commitment of marriage.
Despite the ongoing battle of war, threats of treason and betrayal, this is a gentle story that transports the reader into the lives of these women. The storytelling is immersive and I felt like I was watching a period drama. It was illuminating to read the overwhelming sense of duty that these women feel and that they play a role to further the future and reputation of the family name. Their stories may not be full of violence and physical in defence but I enjoyed how the author brings these stories to life highlighting the strength and sacrifice of women. I particularly enjoyed Margaret Paston’s negotiating skills to influence the siege against Caister Castle in order to support her son in defending it.
While the Paston family live comfortable lives, they are not immune to the consequences of war (the victory of Edward IV puts the Paston’s sons in danger) and the spread of the plague which results in family loss and grief.
This is an enjoyable read if you love authors like Joanna Hickson, Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir. I’ve certainly learnt a lot about a fascinating family in Norfolk.
September 10, 2024
I struggled to give this book a rating because I would say in terms of plot execution and character development it would be 4 stars. The depth of every event and how the author managed to include a wide array of characters, while cultivating their identities and develop them through the novel was incredible.
However I would also kind of rate it 3.5/3.75 because I wasn’t that passionate about this novel until maybe the last 1/3. There were moments where this novel felt like a chore to read just because of the detail and wealth of information that at times seemed unnecessary.
Each character was very strong, I can easily recall the characters and their personalities, they were quite distinct. Especially Margaret Paston.. this woman was just freaking incredible. Her determination, resilience and the amount she did for her family was so admirable. And I loved that she wasn’t this cliche of a “strong woman”, she felt really original and refreshing. I hate to say it but I didn’t have much sympathy of Margarey, I was totally on Margaret’s side. And the ending involving both of them left me in tears on a plane, which says a lot! All the other characters were great too, special mentions to how much I loved Elizabeth Poynings and how much I hated Sir John.
I didn’t actually pick up this book, someone else bought it and didn’t read it so I ended up reading it. I’m glad I read it but I also took ages to read it. Most of the reading took place on a plane (2/3 of the novel) , I’m not entirely sure I would’ve finished it without that plane ride.
However I would also kind of rate it 3.5/3.75 because I wasn’t that passionate about this novel until maybe the last 1/3. There were moments where this novel felt like a chore to read just because of the detail and wealth of information that at times seemed unnecessary.
Each character was very strong, I can easily recall the characters and their personalities, they were quite distinct. Especially Margaret Paston.. this woman was just freaking incredible. Her determination, resilience and the amount she did for her family was so admirable. And I loved that she wasn’t this cliche of a “strong woman”, she felt really original and refreshing. I hate to say it but I didn’t have much sympathy of Margarey, I was totally on Margaret’s side. And the ending involving both of them left me in tears on a plane, which says a lot! All the other characters were great too, special mentions to how much I loved Elizabeth Poynings and how much I hated Sir John.
I didn’t actually pick up this book, someone else bought it and didn’t read it so I ended up reading it. I’m glad I read it but I also took ages to read it. Most of the reading took place on a plane (2/3 of the novel) , I’m not entirely sure I would’ve finished it without that plane ride.
November 13, 2022
The continuing saga of the Paston women and their extended family and acquaintances.
Once again O’Brien has done what she excels at, telling a story that’s factually correct, with the added bonus of presumed conversations. The very best combination done so well, a master storyteller. I have loved all this author’s works and this one is a fine addition.
The story covered quite a lengthy period, easily enough for two books, so we have been spoilt! The relationship between Margery and Richard was depicted beautifully, though Anne’s marriage left me wanting to know more, but perhaps that’s all there is to say, history dictates it’s own endings! Gilly was a delight, more of her story, please! It validates the fact that although this was not my favourite work of this author, it is still a wonderful read and I thoroughly recommend.
As a matter of some concern, the arc I received was extremely poorly put together. No breaks, little spacing and no capitalisation, which made reading a physically hard slog. It took me far longer to read this arc than I usually take. This is out of the control of the author and I have rated my review without taking the poor reproduction into account. Hopefully, once published, I will be able to reread a complete and finished copy as, with all O’Brien’s books, it will only improve with rereading.
A very good 4.5*read, rounded up to 5*
Thank you NetGalley.
Once again O’Brien has done what she excels at, telling a story that’s factually correct, with the added bonus of presumed conversations. The very best combination done so well, a master storyteller. I have loved all this author’s works and this one is a fine addition.
The story covered quite a lengthy period, easily enough for two books, so we have been spoilt! The relationship between Margery and Richard was depicted beautifully, though Anne’s marriage left me wanting to know more, but perhaps that’s all there is to say, history dictates it’s own endings! Gilly was a delight, more of her story, please! It validates the fact that although this was not my favourite work of this author, it is still a wonderful read and I thoroughly recommend.
As a matter of some concern, the arc I received was extremely poorly put together. No breaks, little spacing and no capitalisation, which made reading a physically hard slog. It took me far longer to read this arc than I usually take. This is out of the control of the author and I have rated my review without taking the poor reproduction into account. Hopefully, once published, I will be able to reread a complete and finished copy as, with all O’Brien’s books, it will only improve with rereading.
A very good 4.5*read, rounded up to 5*
Thank you NetGalley.
December 22, 2022
I was really excited to read this as this is my favourite period of history. Set against the background of the Wars of the Roses, this is the story of the women of the Paxton family. The principal character is Margaret Paxton, the matriarch of the family who is desperately trying to maintain their newly acquired noble status. We also have the stories of her daughter Margery and cousin Elizabeth as well her son’s betrothed Anne.
The stories of all of the women were fascinating and the importance of marrying well to help your family is clear throughout the book. However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of depth to most of the characters. I think that there was possibly just too much crammed into a single book. Having so many women’s lives narrated in the book meant that I never really connected with any of them.
I loved the historical detail and the court scenes. It was an interesting depiction of Edward IV, he definitely isn’t shown as ‘this glorious Sunne of Yorke’ here.
I would recommend this to readers of historical fiction who are more interested in the historical retelling rather than a character driven narrative.
Thank you to Net Galley and Orion Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The stories of all of the women were fascinating and the importance of marrying well to help your family is clear throughout the book. However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of depth to most of the characters. I think that there was possibly just too much crammed into a single book. Having so many women’s lives narrated in the book meant that I never really connected with any of them.
I loved the historical detail and the court scenes. It was an interesting depiction of Edward IV, he definitely isn’t shown as ‘this glorious Sunne of Yorke’ here.
I would recommend this to readers of historical fiction who are more interested in the historical retelling rather than a character driven narrative.
Thank you to Net Galley and Orion Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2022
I was hooked by this book immediately, I loved that I started right in the thick of the action with Margery and Richard. No context or setting just BAM romance and obstacle. I also quite enjoyed the first section but I have to say I struggled to make it to the halfway point and then I REALLY struggled to make it to the end.
It just tried to do too much. It felt like each of the women needed a book of their own which just focused on their role in the Paston legacy. Instead, a huge timeline was covered and many relationships but nothing in enough detail that I could get into it.
Also, I've read and cried at Anne O'brien books before. But in this one I just didn't feel the romance or emotion in any of the relationships except with Margery and her mother. I didn't support Anne and John because they didn't even seem to like one another. Richard and Margery started off well but then just fizzled out. Elizabeth was thrown In and her relationship with George seemed like one I could support but her narratives were few and far between.
I just wished there'd been less covered so that more focus and detail could have been given to the characters, events and relationships.
It just tried to do too much. It felt like each of the women needed a book of their own which just focused on their role in the Paston legacy. Instead, a huge timeline was covered and many relationships but nothing in enough detail that I could get into it.
Also, I've read and cried at Anne O'brien books before. But in this one I just didn't feel the romance or emotion in any of the relationships except with Margery and her mother. I didn't support Anne and John because they didn't even seem to like one another. Richard and Margery started off well but then just fizzled out. Elizabeth was thrown In and her relationship with George seemed like one I could support but her narratives were few and far between.
I just wished there'd been less covered so that more focus and detail could have been given to the characters, events and relationships.
April 14, 2023
Life for the gentry in 1400’s England is constant politics - alliances for or against influential parties in order to gain or retain royal favour and lands; suitable marriages; rent collection from tenants to maintain a suitable lifestyle.
For women, it’s trying to keep up appearances and manage growing families, often in the absence of husbands who are at war or at court, or as widows of those same civil conflicts -- whilst having none of the rights of men. This story follows the Paston family – a widow with seven children – as they struggle to maintain their fragile social status and keep their property intact in this turbulent time. Told from the point of view of various Paston women, it demonstrates the relative frustrating powerlessness of the gender, as well as their underlying strength and determination, as they attempt to navigate the world of men from the periphery, whilst enduring the loss of children and husbands to war and disease.
Interesting (but rather slow), and based on actual letters and memoirs from these women – it’s a glimpse into a world we can barely credit today.
For women, it’s trying to keep up appearances and manage growing families, often in the absence of husbands who are at war or at court, or as widows of those same civil conflicts -- whilst having none of the rights of men. This story follows the Paston family – a widow with seven children – as they struggle to maintain their fragile social status and keep their property intact in this turbulent time. Told from the point of view of various Paston women, it demonstrates the relative frustrating powerlessness of the gender, as well as their underlying strength and determination, as they attempt to navigate the world of men from the periphery, whilst enduring the loss of children and husbands to war and disease.
Interesting (but rather slow), and based on actual letters and memoirs from these women – it’s a glimpse into a world we can barely credit today.
January 22, 2023
Margaret Paston is the matriarch of an upwardly mobile East Anglian family. She is concerned that her children make advantageous marriages and preserve the family wealth, not an easy task when the country is riven by conflict. Her eldest son has made a common law marriage with a cousin of the Queen but is reluctant to consecrate this, her eldest daughter has married the family balliff and been cast off. Consumed by legal battles Margery is determined that her second son should be well married and that her remaining daughter does her duty by the family.
This is a fictionalised account of the lives of a real family. The Pastons of Norwich and Caistor left behind a large cache of letters which provide historians with information about the minutiae of everyday life during the Wars of the Roses. The Pastons were new into the local gentry and their place was always threatened by lawsuits. In this novel O'Brien has woven her customary romanticised fiction around the characters and it works extremely well.
This is a fictionalised account of the lives of a real family. The Pastons of Norwich and Caistor left behind a large cache of letters which provide historians with information about the minutiae of everyday life during the Wars of the Roses. The Pastons were new into the local gentry and their place was always threatened by lawsuits. In this novel O'Brien has woven her customary romanticised fiction around the characters and it works extremely well.
February 9, 2023
Anne O’Brien always chooses such interesting subjects for her books, using her writing gifts to explain complex English history gently to readers. This time it’s the Paston family from the Norwich area and we start in 1469. The marriage and relationships belong to Margery (smitten by the family bailiff… the ‘hired help’ and not a wealthy man of position!), Margaret (her mother - widow, infuriated and determined to improve the family’s standing), Elizabeth (widow, sister-in law of Margaret, being chased by a younger man), Margaret’s sons’ ladies (Anne, strangely promised by wed/not wed/maybe wed; and Margery (Gilly to avoid confusion) and finally Margeret’s other daughter Anne (on the bridal marketplace, but like Margery enchanted by one of the family retainers). All of this is set in the context of the Wars of the Roses when choosing the right King was pretty challenging and you could lose your fortune, home and head if the Wheel of Fortune span against your ‘man’. If you like Philippa Gregory’s Red Queen/White Queen, you’ll enjoy this.
February 14, 2023
Another wonderful slice of Medieval ways bought to life by the author as she explores more of the Paston family and their woes in the ways of love! It really gives you a great glimpse into the posturing for position and how the women are basically used as pawns for the betterment of their families.
The Paston women are strong though and it was great to hear their various stories as each of them get their own storyline and focus, so it gives you different perspectives on their various experiences. It explores the conflict in families, especially between the old and the young where duty is placed above love.
It also explores a very turbulent time in history, so it's even more critical that you pick the right side to back, so to speak, and shows the sacrifices made to do the right thing - the emotions involved really add to the characters experiences that you get to explore, and what I love about these books are that they make me want to explore more about the history of the times!
The Paston women are strong though and it was great to hear their various stories as each of them get their own storyline and focus, so it gives you different perspectives on their various experiences. It explores the conflict in families, especially between the old and the young where duty is placed above love.
It also explores a very turbulent time in history, so it's even more critical that you pick the right side to back, so to speak, and shows the sacrifices made to do the right thing - the emotions involved really add to the characters experiences that you get to explore, and what I love about these books are that they make me want to explore more about the history of the times!
June 21, 2024
Set during the Cousins' War we follow a minor aristocratic family (the Pastons) up to 1484. At the heart of the novel is the determination of Margaret Paston to bring back the once family home Caister Castle back into the fold.
Apart from this there isn't much plot, but what O'Brien gives us is a host of memorable characters. There is a common theme of no matter how much they try the women in the story have no real power in a male dominated time in history.
It makes a change to take a look at this time in English history other than through the Royal Court, this is very much on the periphery of the book, although one character is the cousin of Edward IV's wife Elizabeth Woodville.
Although at times the book is a bit repetitive on the whole this is well written, that keeps the reader interested.
Apart from this there isn't much plot, but what O'Brien gives us is a host of memorable characters. There is a common theme of no matter how much they try the women in the story have no real power in a male dominated time in history.
It makes a change to take a look at this time in English history other than through the Royal Court, this is very much on the periphery of the book, although one character is the cousin of Edward IV's wife Elizabeth Woodville.
Although at times the book is a bit repetitive on the whole this is well written, that keeps the reader interested.
January 1, 2023
The second book, continuing the story of the Paston family of Norfolk.
Just as good as the first book we follow the story of this real family & their struggles to keep their properties & position in society during the War of the Roses. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the female family members.
I was so impatient to read what happened next that I requested an e-reader ARC copy which I, not exactly regret as I enjoyed it, but wish I’d got as a hard copy (& will at some point) as the epilogue wasn’t yet written & I wanted to know more about certain members of the family!
I’ve only recently discovered this author & love her characterisations (these are real historical people taken from recovered letters but with the imagined flesh added on). Can’t wait for the next one!
Just as good as the first book we follow the story of this real family & their struggles to keep their properties & position in society during the War of the Roses. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the female family members.
I was so impatient to read what happened next that I requested an e-reader ARC copy which I, not exactly regret as I enjoyed it, but wish I’d got as a hard copy (& will at some point) as the epilogue wasn’t yet written & I wanted to know more about certain members of the family!
I’ve only recently discovered this author & love her characterisations (these are real historical people taken from recovered letters but with the imagined flesh added on). Can’t wait for the next one!
January 21, 2023
I've been looking forward to reading A Marriage of Fortune which is a sequel to The Royal Game. This book again centred around the Paston family in Norfolk, during the time of the War of the Roses.
I loved the characters in this story and felt like I was experiencing their trials and tribulations with them. Anne O'Brien is a talented author of Historical Fiction and that is evident in the amount of detail of everyday life that is included in the story.
My only criticism is that in parts the story seemed to lose its forward momentum and I felt the pace drag. This was still a fantastic read and I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I loved the characters in this story and felt like I was experiencing their trials and tribulations with them. Anne O'Brien is a talented author of Historical Fiction and that is evident in the amount of detail of everyday life that is included in the story.
My only criticism is that in parts the story seemed to lose its forward momentum and I felt the pace drag. This was still a fantastic read and I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy to read and review.
March 31, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the women in this book and the ending left me feeling content. As much as Margaret Paston’s stubbornness frustrated me, there was many lessons in her decisions and thought processes. She taught me to not let anyone make your decisions for you. Elizabeth Browne taught me it’s okay to ask for help even if you feel like you won’t receive it. Margery Calle taught me to make decisions that result in your happiness. Anne Haute taught me that no man is ever worth waiting around for. I did feel like the book dragged a bit but if you love reading about history then you’ll love this book.
November 8, 2023
Spellbound throughout
This book and the previous one presents the lives of landed but not aristocratic families during the wars of the Roses. I was drawn into their daily lives, their fears and foibles as well as everyday life. The importance of women deputising for their menfolk when away at war or or business kept their estates prospering. They also managed their households, servants and children as well as finances. In this era family success was dependent on which king currently held power and having supportive dukes and earls was essential for protection.
These two books are inspired by the Paston Letters which recorded the lives of the family.
This book and the previous one presents the lives of landed but not aristocratic families during the wars of the Roses. I was drawn into their daily lives, their fears and foibles as well as everyday life. The importance of women deputising for their menfolk when away at war or or business kept their estates prospering. They also managed their households, servants and children as well as finances. In this era family success was dependent on which king currently held power and having supportive dukes and earls was essential for protection.
These two books are inspired by the Paston Letters which recorded the lives of the family.
January 19, 2023
O'Brien has written another sweeping, engaging read about the Paston family. For the most part I did enjoy this read and O'Brien really captures the people and atmosphere of the time. I did think this was far too long and it started to feel dull at times. I also thought we were reading from too many character perspectives and not all of them added anything to the book. This aside, I really felt for these strong, resilient women and what they faced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion for an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion for an advance copy.
April 27, 2023
3 .5 (rounded down) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Orion and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
I love historical fiction and I really enjoy Anne O’Brien as a writer, I have read most of her books. For me this one was a more original idea, using the Paston letters to focus on gentry rather than royalty. I found that aspect really interesting.
What fell a little flat for me were the characters. Maybe it was too many POVs, but I didn’t feel like I really knew anyone.
Would recommend to anyone looking for a mediaeval historical novel looking for something a bit different.
Thank you so much to Orion and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.
I love historical fiction and I really enjoy Anne O’Brien as a writer, I have read most of her books. For me this one was a more original idea, using the Paston letters to focus on gentry rather than royalty. I found that aspect really interesting.
What fell a little flat for me were the characters. Maybe it was too many POVs, but I didn’t feel like I really knew anyone.
Would recommend to anyone looking for a mediaeval historical novel looking for something a bit different.
June 13, 2024
Exceedingly heavily written.
Absolutely very well researched, and beautifully historical, but not what I would recommend if you like books where literally anything happens other than dialogue.
I usually adore historical fiction but I had to attempt three times to get past twenty pages and then had to force my way to finish it.
If you don’t mind books that are superlatively heavy on ye olde dialogue, absolutely go for it. The content is certainly good content, but I need at least a little activity for it to remain interesting.
Absolutely very well researched, and beautifully historical, but not what I would recommend if you like books where literally anything happens other than dialogue.
I usually adore historical fiction but I had to attempt three times to get past twenty pages and then had to force my way to finish it.
If you don’t mind books that are superlatively heavy on ye olde dialogue, absolutely go for it. The content is certainly good content, but I need at least a little activity for it to remain interesting.
Read
August 11, 2024DNF at 100 pages. Not entirely the fault of the book as it turns out this is part two of a series but this isn't listed on Goodreads. All the same, I was so bored. I guess if you know some of the characters/members of the Paston family from the previous book, you might be more invested. Yet as far as I can tell, the 'love story' at the heart of this first section of the book starts here. It's so abrupt and hard to believe or feel anything for. On top of that, the writing style is really strange, there's something extremely distant about it. Almost like reading a script with sudden flourishes. Hope other people enjoy it, but in my opinion the blurb on my edition that says this is better than Philippa Gregory couldn't be more wrong.
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