A Ricardian Romance
By Jennifer C. Wilson
The fireplace hadn't looked like a time-portal.
All Kate had wanted was a fun, relaxing day out, watching the knights jousting at Nottingham Castle. What she ended up with was something quite different.
Transported in a heartbeat from 2011 to 1485, how will Kate handle life at the Ricardian court? Even more importantly, how will she cope when she catches the eye of the king himself?
A passionate story set in the time of King Richard III.
The pounding of hooves, the smell of medieval food roasting over a spit and the warmth of the mulled wine, was Kate’s idea of a Saturday afternoon well spent. Kate had always loved watching re-enactments, especially when Richard III was centre stage as he was on this, the most ordinary of days. If it had not been for the summer storm, Kate would have lingered outside, enjoying the atmosphere. Instead, Kate found herself admiring the kitchen’s grand fireplace. Kate could remember hearing a clap of thunder but after that, the world went dark and things became a little complicated…
From a warm summer day watching the joust to all the intrigue of life at Richard III’s court The Last Plantagenet?: A Ricardian Romance by Jennifer C Wilson is an irresistible romance between the last Plantagenet monarch and a thoroughly modern-day young woman.
I am sure many historians have dreamed about going back in time and instead of reading about the events from a dusty old history book, actually watching them unfold. Kate’s reaction to finding herself in the 15th Century was plausible and totally believable.
I found myself drawn into this wonderfully romantic story from the opening sentence. I adored the characterisation of Kate. Kate’s confusion, but also her excitement, at finding herself in Richard’s court, along with her strong reaction to him was beautifully narrated. Their relationship was incredibly passionate, not to mention believable. The Last Plantagenet? A Ricardian Romance certainly left me mesmerised.
Wilson has a very elegant turn of phrase which makes this book immensely readable. The descriptions of the Court of Richard III — from the tapestries on the wall to the food upon the table — was very vivid in the telling. Wilson has obviously spent many hours researching this era, for only a scholar with a great understanding could bring such riches back to life.
I thought Wilson’s portrayal of Richard was fair, and I was delighted to see that it was not at all swayed by the Tudor propaganda which has maligned Richard’s name for centuries. Wilson’s Richard is a good king, a fair one. He is not a fairy-tale prince, not by any means, and Kate does not meet her happy ever after, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am not going to give away any spoilers, but the ending certainly made me smile.
Although short, this novella is rich in historical detail, and the romance was undoubtedly swoon-worthy. Wilson has balanced both the modern world and the medieval one with great skill and diligence. This book is perfect for a long lingering coffee break.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Jennifer C. Wilson
Jennifer is a marine biologist by training, who developed an equal passion for history whilst stalking Mary, Queen of Scots of childhood holidays (she since moved on to Richard III). She completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Hull, and has worked as a marine environmental consultant since graduating.
Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return to the north-east reignited Jennifer’s pastime of creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In 2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and also continues to work on developing her poetic voice, reading at a number of events, and with several pieces available online. Her Kindred Spirits novels are published by Crooked Cat Books, alongside a self-published timeslip novella.
She is also a co-founder and host of the award-winning North Tyneside Writers' Circle, and has hosted various events and workshops across the Tyneside area.
Connect with Jennifer: Website • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon Author Page.
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