An epic, heart-breaking novel about a woman caught up in the horrors of war and suffering (originally published as The Summer Fields).
'A gloriously original tale, based on historical truth, about a girl with an 18th-century superpower and a heart to match. You will ache for her to make it through the battlefields and win her love.' James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England
1704. Farmer’s daughter Elen Griffiths has a gift. She is immune to smallpox, but that gift becomes a curse when she is plucked from her warm and loving family and forced to nurse the heir to the local estate, Viscount Mordiford, through the brutal disease. If he dies, her family will lose their farm and livelihood. Locked away with her patient in the sinister Duntisbourne Hall she makes a friend of Ned Harley, the Earl’s charming valet. However, sinister forces lurk in the corridors of the vast building, threatening Elen's life and honour. Rescued by the man she has grown to love, she flees the country with the English army, not knowing if her affections are returned.
Across the Channel, Elen finds purpose serving as a nurse during the Duke of Marlborough's campaign. Surrounded by the horror and confusion of the brutal war against the French, Elen is reunited with her love on the eve of the Battle of Blenheim. She learns that his feelings mirror her own, but that moment of joy may be all they ever know. Even if he survives the battle, a figure from the past threatens to destroy Elen's freedom, her happiness and her life.
From the author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness and The Fever Box, an action-packed and sweeping historical romance. Perfect for fans of Celeste de Blasis and Francis Quinn.
Praise for The Red and the Scarlet
“Prepare for a full immersion into the briny, foetid depths of life in Queen Anne's reign, with the feisty, brainy dairymaid heroine Elen and the irascible, permanently poorly but insanely virile Viscount.” Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This medley of historical detail, medical drama and conflicted romance immerses the reader in a war-torn arena. The romance weaves through the hardship and pain with a satisfying conclusion.” Jane Hunt, Netgalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A masterclass in escapism to another world and yet a modern-day prod at what nasty little viruses can do. I went to bed each night diving into another time, devouring the pages and now I'm bereft that it's ended. This is everything that historical fiction should be, and we need more!” Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What a fabulous book! The story is so well written I felt I was there. It is very atmospheric also. I loved the characters who seemed very real.” Phoenix, Amazon Reviewer ⭐��⭐⭐⭐
“I am struggling to write this as there is so much I liked about the book I am concerned about giving the story away. Suffice it to say that from start to finish I did not guess the way the story would twist and turn but I can say I loved it from page one.” Syringa, Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Inspirational
'A gloriously original tale, based on historical truth, about a girl with an 18th-century superpower and a heart to match. You will ache for her to make it through the battlefields and win her love.' James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England
1704. Farmer’s daughter Elen Griffiths has a gift. She is immune to smallpox, but that gift becomes a curse when she is plucked from her warm and loving family and forced to nurse the heir to the local estate, Viscount Mordiford, through the brutal disease. If he dies, her family will lose their farm and livelihood. Locked away with her patient in the sinister Duntisbourne Hall she makes a friend of Ned Harley, the Earl’s charming valet. However, sinister forces lurk in the corridors of the vast building, threatening Elen's life and honour. Rescued by the man she has grown to love, she flees the country with the English army, not knowing if her affections are returned.
Across the Channel, Elen finds purpose serving as a nurse during the Duke of Marlborough's campaign. Surrounded by the horror and confusion of the brutal war against the French, Elen is reunited with her love on the eve of the Battle of Blenheim. She learns that his feelings mirror her own, but that moment of joy may be all they ever know. Even if he survives the battle, a figure from the past threatens to destroy Elen's freedom, her happiness and her life.
From the author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness and The Fever Box, an action-packed and sweeping historical romance. Perfect for fans of Celeste de Blasis and Francis Quinn.
Praise for The Red and the Scarlet
“Prepare for a full immersion into the briny, foetid depths of life in Queen Anne's reign, with the feisty, brainy dairymaid heroine Elen and the irascible, permanently poorly but insanely virile Viscount.” Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This medley of historical detail, medical drama and conflicted romance immerses the reader in a war-torn arena. The romance weaves through the hardship and pain with a satisfying conclusion.” Jane Hunt, Netgalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A masterclass in escapism to another world and yet a modern-day prod at what nasty little viruses can do. I went to bed each night diving into another time, devouring the pages and now I'm bereft that it's ended. This is everything that historical fiction should be, and we need more!” Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What a fabulous book! The story is so well written I felt I was there. It is very atmospheric also. I loved the characters who seemed very real.” Phoenix, Amazon Reviewer ⭐��⭐⭐⭐
“I am struggling to write this as there is so much I liked about the book I am concerned about giving the story away. Suffice it to say that from start to finish I did not guess the way the story would twist and turn but I can say I loved it from page one.” Syringa, Amazon Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Inspirational
Used availability for LP Fergusson's The Red and the Scarlet