Publication Date: 24th October 2013
Pages: 526
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours & Pan MacMillan
Synopsis: A family divided by fortune. A country divided by faith.
London 1609...
Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace.
Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers.
Under the searing Spanish sun, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery which finally unlocks the true meaning of family . . .
A Divided Inheritance is a breathtaking adventure set in London just after the Gunpowder Plot and in the bustling courtyards of Golden Age Seville.
My Thoughts:
My introduction to Deborah Swift's work was
through her 2012 novel, The Gilded Lily. I thoroughly enjoyed her story telling ability and was keen to try
something else. A Divided Inheritance is another fascinating piece of
historical fiction, a multi-layered, well researched tale
of tenacity and adventure.
As much as I love Tudor England it certainly made
a refreshing change to be immersed in another period, Jacobean London, the lace
trade, Spain under King Phillip III's expulsion of the Moriscos,
(Spanish Muslims) the religious turmoil in both countries. Deborah Swift
covers it with a deft hand and page-turning pace.
Elspet and Zachary are interesting characters -
Zachary easy to loathe, but better late than never, he displays some redeeming
qualities and earned my respect. Elspet a woman shackled by the constraints on women of the era and
yet strong, opinionated, doggedly fighting for what is hers. Without getting
spoiler-ish I really enjoyed watching them grow into their 'familial'
relationship and cheered as consideration and loyalty became a priority.
The small details were carefully balanced, nuanced,
adding authenticity without getting bogged down or boring and surprisingly I
really enjoyed the in-depth look at fencing, the philosophy of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and the
dedication required to master the art.
I'd love to see a sequel, after becoming quite
invested in Elspet and Zachary's lives, I'd like to see where life takes them
next.
Recommend: Absolutely, for fans of historical fiction
and those who just enjoy a good adventure.
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GIVEAWAY:
1 print copy of A DIVIDED INHERITANCE by Deborah Swift and good news it's International!!
To enter just leave a relevant comment or question for Deborah and please ensure you're easily contactable.
Extra Entries:
+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link
Giveaway ends 28th November and the winner will be drawn via random.org and announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!
I read and enjoyed The Lady's Slipper by this author. Gilded Lily is on the TBR, and I know I will want to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Just recently discovered Deborah and her work, and am looking forward to spending the upcoming, cold weeks here in New York reading her books! :) christine.adler@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction, and I've never read a book by her before. Your review sounds interesting - I've read a few things from this time frame.
ReplyDeleteanastaciaknits at gmail dot com
I am afraid I was not taken by Gilded so this one may not be for me
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to read this one. Please enter me in this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
www.girllostinabook.com
girllostinabook@hotmail.com
I, too, became familiar with the author's work upon reading The Gilded Lily. The Lady's Slipper is on the TBR list and I know I will enjoy the rest of her books! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletelafra86 at gmail dot com
This sounds a good read. I'd like to be counted in. Thanks for making it open to all. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Gilded Lily and have been waiting for this new book to come out. I tend to read a lot of Tudor themed historical fiction but have been trying to really reach out and read more varied locations/time periods this year. This sounds like another one I would love! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletecandc320@gmail.com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/candc320/status/401353441898819584.
ReplyDeletecandc320@gmail.com
I've been wanting to do a Grand Tour of Europe, 1600s style. Thanks for the opportunity. I'm pretty easy to find at: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
ReplyDeleteI also tweeted a link to this blog post for +2 entries: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/401405481316397056
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/kcree0916/status/401527010108788736
kim_cree@yahoo.com
This looks really good. Fencing is something that has always intrigued me but I know very little about it.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be entered!
stacybooks at yahoo
Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Exciting time period.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
A historical fiction novel with a hint of adventure and the lace trade, sounds exactly like my kind of book! I would love the opportunity to read this book. Many thanks for making this an international giveaway.
ReplyDeleteamandabarrett81(at)gmail (DOT)com
Nice review...I saw the tour, but couldn't fit it in.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for your thoughts...it does sound good.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog
Thank you so much for this amazing giveaway! I read 'the lady's slipper' by Deborah and simply loved it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to ask the author what drew her towards historical fiction as a genre and what facinates her about the past as a writer??
Thanks x
(Email ~ lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk )
I love historical fiction but I have to confess I've never read one of Deborah's books - maybe now is a good time to start?
ReplyDelete:)
I would love to win this - historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and being an Ex-Londoner this one has a special feeling for me :) I do promise a truthful review on Goodreads and Librarything!
ReplyDeleteI've been really enjoying historical fiction lately - I have read anything by Deborah, but would love to read this one; it sound really good! Thanks for the opportunity to win :)
ReplyDeleteI have never read anything by Debora Swift but I love historical fiction. The synopsis of A Divided Inheritance sounds interesting. I am looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeletejoanneboykoATyahooDOTca
Love a good historical fiction novel, and the Jacobean period is very interesting. Would love to enter - and have tweeted! https://twitter.com/GiraffeDays/status/404865871081775104
ReplyDeleteOh whoops, forgot my email address! It's giraffedays@gmail.com
Delete