Review: Thorns in Eden

Reviewed by Shirley Johnson

Thorns in Eden, by Rita Gerlach, is perhaps one of the most outstanding books I have read in quite a while. Set in 1773 in Fredericktowne MD and England, this novel takes you into the intimate world of the people trying to birth a free Nation, under God. You become one with their struggles and the very essence of their lives is etched in your heart forever!

The main characters are brought to life by the author to the point that you feel a deep kinship to each one. Rebecah Brent, the daughter of a slain British Officer who is thrust into the arms of her less than appealing uncle, Samuel Brent, who is given charge of her life. Rebecah is a young woman that is determined to taste liberty, not only in government but as a woman.

We have the uncle, Samuel, who harbors a deep resentment for his now deceased brother, the mystery of why has not yet been unfolded, although you are given several hints. His loving wife Kathryn, submitted to a harsh hurting man; his children, young Hugh, a lively wonderful boy who seeks out the love and attention of Rebecah. The two woman cousins, Lavinia and Dorian, who are as different as day and night. Dorian being quite stuck on herself and her beauty, does not like the idea of the attractive cousin coming to live, and sweet Lavinia immediately befriends Rebecah and a deep relationship is seared between the two. None of them realize how important each one will be to the other in this drama of their lives.

The author brings into light the one trying to win Rebecah's heart, and the one whom has been chosen for her, rich Cecil Lanley. I, like Rebecah, did not like this self-centered man and cheered when she refused his attention. However, she is reminded that a woman has no say so on whom she will marry. Rebecah had other ideas, good for her!

My favorite characters were the kindly Nash family, Lady Margaret, Sir Rodney and their son the young patriot John Nash, who was trying to make his life in the colonies.

Nash was a patriot, and was against the control that the British had on his new land, this was a death wish for him and his family, one that becomes the main focal point of this entire story.Through only the hand of a higher power, Nash and Rebecah find each other, but the battle is on, not just for the liberty of a new land, but for the liberty of a new love.

It isn't very often that you read a book where the author is able to blend the deep faith of the characters into the story without being preachy or religious. Rita has done just that, in a way that lets you understand all the decisions that they make, throughout this wonderful read, are based on their commitment to a Higher power that is leading their destiny. Only the hand of an exceptional writer could pen the words in this way, bringing to life the true heart of the people who gave their lives for our liberty.

Oh how this story twists and turns as the life of each player surfaces and merges with the others, like a muted sunset at the close of day.

Battles, emotional, physical and spiritual rage throughout the confines of these pages. Deep conflicts of the soul and spirit are wrestled within each character as they bring to life a novel that will draw you into the making of a nation, through the shed tears of the past. As I read the final pages my heart broke, not just for what was behind, but for what lies ahead for the characters I had grown to love.

If you only read one book this year, I recommend Thorns in Eden, a story of love, a story of faith, a story of freedom, a voice from our past, a prayer for our future! Outstanding!

Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
MidWest Book Reviews
Denise's Pieces

Highland Grace: A Moving Conclusion to the Blue Ridge Legacy

Gary Parker’s three-book series, Blue Ridge Legacy, concludes with Highland Grace. Continuing the story of 100-year-old Abby Porter, this final part tells of the Porter family during the years 1945 to 1974. Finally we see where Abby’s great-granddaughter, Lisa, fits into the family tree; and Lisa, the one learning the story from Abby, can make the family faith her own as well.

As begun in Highland Mercies, the previous book, the story now focuses on Abby’s children, as the post-World War II generation takes over from the previous one. Abby and Thaddeus are still around, but more in the background, and brother Daniel is soon removed from the scene. Much of this story revolves around Abby’s wayward younger son, Steve Waterbury. Now that Abby and her generation have their faith in God, the next generation must go through its struggles – and will Steve find his way back home?

The story is told in three sections: 1945 to 1946; 1946 to 195x; and from then to 1974 – but as with multi-generation stories, sometimes many years are skimmed over before more action occurs. Along the way the family lives through the turmoil of those years, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The highlander ways have passed, as the first part of Highland Grace makes clear. This first part concludes lingering plot elements from the first two books: the long-standing conflict with the Clack family; and Daniel’s vow to get back his family’s land (now lost over 30 years before). After a few interesting plot twists, those two problems are resolved, and the story can move forward. Much of the next two sections deal with a familiar story theme: sibling rivalry between two brothers, with an inferior-feeling younger brother envious of the older.

Still, it is interesting to follow the lives of these characters, much like a real family with many relationships to each other. Even another Clack character comes around to play the brief role of villain, in Jim Waterbury’s brother-in-law (his wife’s side of the family). It also is neat to see the story come up to the present, to fit the modern-day Lisa into the picture along with her early life in the 1970s.

The Lady in the Tower: Anne Boleyn’s Story

English author Jean Plaidy (the pen name for Eleanor Hibbert; also known as Victoria Holt) wrote many historical fiction novels during the latter half of the twentieth century. Many of her books are currently being re-published, for another generation to enjoy. One such novel is Plaidy’s The Lady in the Tower, of the "Queens of England" series.

The Lady in the Tower is Anne Boleyn’s story, told in first-person as she sits in the London Tower awaiting her execution in 1536. Having come to this tragic end, she recounts her life story, considering along the way her mistakes and what she could have done differently.

With its touching, personal style, The Lady in the Tower portrays life in the royal courts of Britain and France during the early 16^th century, as seen by young Anne Boleyn. We learn of her early years in the French court, then her arrival in the English court and romance with Henry Percy. But alas, King Henry VIII intervened to prevent that marriage, and soon revealed to Anne his own interest in her.

This real story – one of those "stranger than fiction" tales that grabs our attention and fascinates so many, because it is true – is revealed with great accuracy, faithful to the actual political events as well as to Anne’s character. All of the characters are historical figures: her brother George and his wicked wife; wayward sister Mary, who was Henry’s mistress for several years and comes to a sad ending; also Thomas Wyatt, Henry Percy, Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry, Queen Katharine, and so many others of this era. The backdrop of the Reformation is ever-present, and we learn of Anne’s interest in Luther’s ideas. From this background also springs forth Cromwell’s suggestion to King Henry (a devout Catholic) to break from the Catholic Church and form a new Church of England.

The sometimes-sympathetic Anne has her good qualities as well as her faults. On the one hand, Anne prized some moral values: keeping her body only for her husband and no other. Yet she had no such qualms if that meant breaking up an existing marriage, for the King to divorce his first wife to marry her. Ambition, as Anne herself relates, came into her heart to replace love; she could not have Henry Percy, whom she loved. Her ambitious father, Thomas Boleyn, would have her marry some man of higher standing -- so why not the King himself? Anne’s personality comes through clearly, again accurate to the historical record: one who liked fashion and designed her own garments; enjoyed being in the spotlight at court; and was often flirtatious, bold, and flippant.

The reader can sympathize with the young woman who makes many foolish mistakes – as so many young people do – and realize the incredible temptations and pressure she faced. Yet we also – as Anne herself now, too late – see her lack of wisdom and judgement, her pride and arrogance, that which would lead to her own judgement and downfall.

The Lady in the Tower is an interesting, if somewhat sad and depressing, historical fiction novel. Though we all know the ending, the telling is made more interesting through Anne’s hindsight point of view, a storyteller half in the past, now looking back with regrets and insights (such as of Henry’s character), even the subtle hints that would foretell later misfortunes. This book is a good sampling of Jean Plaidy’s work, one of her many historical novels set in Europe’s past.

Review: The Patriote Proposition

Reviewed by Elizabeth Batt
Thomas Thorpe's, "The Patriote Proposition" is a delightful and historically rich novel centered on 1833 Canada. This work of fiction cleverly combines history, adventure and political intrigue while creating a fast-paced tale thick with plots and counterplots.

Elizabeth Darmon and her family travel to Canada from England, to visit sister Victoria and her husband Richard Hudson. What should have been a happy and pleasurable family reunion and vacation instead turns out to be the ultimate nightmare. When her family leaves for an outing and only an empty carriage returns, Elizabeth is suddenly stranded in a strange country trying to find answers for her family's disappearance.

This book centers on the fight for Canadian independence from the British and the radicals that seek this freedom. Obvious then, is the immediate disadvantage that Elizabeth finds herself facing. Practically single-handed, Elizabeth has to determine what became of her family while facing adversity at every angle - culturally, politically and geographically.

Thorpe's book flows along beautifully and constantly leaves us pondering just who can and cannot be trusted. You can try and connect the dots as you weave your way through the plots and counterplots, but still the author achieves an element of surprise, not easily accomplished in the author's world.

Aside from the adventure and the non-stop action, the historical aspect of the book is wonderful. Not only does it illustrate an area of Canadian history seldom revealed, it nurtures your knowledge so cleverly that you don't realize that you're gaining a history lesson.

Lovers of history and for those seeking a delightful conspiratorial adventure should appreciate this book. Venture into an era that is often overlooked in the history market - you'll be pleased you did.

Book and Reviewer Information:

The Patriote Proposition
by Thomas Thorpe
Port Town Publishing
ISBN: 0-9716239-7-X

Review by Elizabeth Batt
Founding History & Politics Dean - Suite University
http://www.kidsbritishhistory.com

The Twelfth Vulture of Romulus: The Last Generation of Ancient Rome

Most historical fiction novels treat fairly recent subject matter, typically events of the last 400 years or so. Yet a few books dig deeper into the past, with an interesting story and a well-researched background of ancient times. Boris Raymond’s new book, The Twelfth Vulture of Romulus: Attila and the Fall of Rome, is one such case: a detailed story that looks at the waning years of the Roman Empire.
Beginning in 458 AD, The Twelfth Vulture of Romulus traces events of this last generation, until the fall of Rome in 476 AD. These years also span the career of the ever-ambitious Orestes, from his early service to Attila the Hun, years as head of the Roman army, to his final grab for the Purple when his young son became the last Roman Emperor. Along the way, we meet many other characters, both historical and fictional, in an epic story with three main sections.

The book’s title at first seems obscure and uninteresting, and the length (almost 600 pages) intimidating. Yet the book is written in normal size print, with an easy-to-read narrative style. As for the title, the author explains that it comes from an ancient prophecy of Rome’s founder, Romulus, who saw 12 vultures: a dream understood to mean that Rome would last for 12 centuries.

The book’s many characters and geographical references appear overwhelming. Here again, though, the author provides many aides (at the back of the book). Often I found myself turning to the detailed list of characters, which tells a little about each character, including his or her’s date of birth (and death, if within the timeframe of the story), age in 458 AD, and whether historical character or not. Many of the characters are in fact from the pages of history: more well-known ones such as Attila the Hun, and other rulers and Popes of the time, but also the story’s main and minor characters: Orestes, his brother Paulus and adopted brother Odovacar; Cassiodorus, Romulus; Orestes’ wife Barbaria; even the priest Gelasius and desert monk Severinus (with a fictional pre-Christian identity of Antonous), and Biglias. Fictional characters include Alexia, a worldly woman who trades slaves for the "entertainment" industry, and at various times is lover to Orestes and Carlus (another fictional character).

Other story aides include a list of geographical places (where one can learn that Itallia is modern-day Italy, Gallia is France, and Mediolanum was an early name for Milan). Another appendix shows an overall map of the Roman Empire.

Against this rich backdrop comes an intriguing story about government corruption and power-plays; rampant immorality in a society increasingly reliant on, and vulnerable to, the Barbarians within and without; and increasing conflict between the Roman Catholic Church, already firmly established, and secular rulers. This is Rome in its decadence, and many characters are not the most morally upright. Yet the author presents the story in good taste (as are all the books I review here), sparing the reader the lurid details that too many books unfortunately include nowadays. Through Severinus, immoral characters are even confronted, albeit briefly, with their wickedness.

From beginning to end, The Twelfth Vulture of Romulus highlights the struggles faced by so many different groups living in this last generation of Rome: the changes they desire, and how they go about achieving those desires. We see in particular the various groups’ quests for power: Orestes’ ever-growing ambition; the Phoenix Group’s quest to restore Rome to its former glory; and the Catholic Church’s increasing dominance. Offset against this are a few individuals (Severinus and Barbaria, for example) who look to the power of God instead. The Twelfth Vulture of Romulus is an interesting, well-researched and informative historical novel about this time period, so distant and yet an important transition to the Western world we know today.