📖 Book Review ~ Wanton Troopers by Lindsey Erith

Olympia Publishers
28 November 2024

My thanks to the publishers
and publicist Martha Halford-Fumigalli for my copy of this book

The action unfolds in the cloud-wracked autumn of 1645 as the defeated Royalist Hugh Malahide returns to his Uncle’s impoverished estate in need of sanctuary; “He had half expected warmth at last and blessings, had them stored up as miser’s gain. But he had already been upstaged. The tableau that greeted him was not of upflung arms and welcome, but of a medical emergency in front of him, centred on a writhing, groaning heap of bloodied old clothes there on the floor of his uncle’s hallway.”

The ‘groaning heap’ is Tom Fentiman, a figure who will drag the hero, Hugh, into a whirlwind adventure of danger and betrayal, and into the path of the beautiful Isabella, daughter of his Parliamentarian rival, with whom romance and a happy life seems an impossibility, but one he does not resist.

Can this defeated Royalist reject the siren song of King Charles’s lost cause, and survive? Only armed by force of character and a charm-the-birds smile, Hugh sets about seduction, burglary and defying Fate.

📖 My Review..

Looking for sanctuary from his Royalist duties during the latter years of the English Civil War, Hugh Malahide returns to his impoverished uncle’s house somewhat less of a hero, and more of a survivor, only to find that there is a seriously injured man whose very presence in the house is something of a problem. These are difficult times with Royalist neighbours at odds with their Puritan counterparts and with animosity festering in the air there is little chance of charity. However, this chance encounter with the injured stranger brings Hugh into contact with Isabella Fentiman, and the start of a relationship which will test his loyalty in more ways than one.

This is so beautifully written that I felt like I had stepped right back in time and saw the English countryside through the eyes of one who had lived and walked there in 1645. There’s a strong sense of history, neither glorying nor denying the eventual outcome of the Civil War, each side had their successes and failures but what is brought to life is the rural ambience of a country at odds with itself. It was a time when neighbours were pitted against each other and law abiding folk could be held hostage by marauding scavengers. Situations were difficult, money was scarce and with few choices available some turned to thievery whilst others sought a different approach. Malahide is faced with difficult choices.

With a tender love story at its heart The Wanton Troopers allows a tantalising glimpse into a long ago world and with this talented author’s wonderful way with words, I was quite enchanted and rather sorry to say goodbye to the Malahide and Fentimens and wished them well in their future.

About the Author

Lindsey Erith was born in Reigate, the daughter of the photographer John Erith. She survived a girls’ public school and coming to terms with severe health problems before achieving a graphics Diploma. This gave her an entry to portraiture and strengthened her keen interest in character and likeness.

Woven throughout her life has been an abiding passion for music, reflected in the poetic rhythm of her original writing style. Her love of music led to the love of her life and a Valentine’s Day happy marriage to the distinguished classical music producer John Boyden, whose unwavering belief in her encouraged her to submit her first book for publication.

Wanton Troopers, her new book, is written in the same style and period as Mary Florida. Each ‘Royalist Romance’ explores the heights of love and longing in the tumultuous aftermath of the English Civil War.

Website

#WantonTroopers

Twitter / X @ olympiapub

Twitter / X @MarthaHalfordPR