The Monmouth Summer — Tim Vicary

1685. King Charles II dies unexpectedly, and is succeeded by his brother James II, England's first Catholic monarch since Bloody Mary.

English Protestants feel threatened, and King Charles's illegitimate son, the handsome young duke of Monmouth, rises against his uncle in armed rebellion. The rebellion turns young Ann Carter's world upside down. Eighteen years old, she is betrothed to Tom Goodchild, a Protestant shoemaker; but secretly loves Robert Pole, an officer in King James's army, who offers to take her to London as his mistress. Ann knows it is her duty to marry Tom, but does not love him; so when he marches away with the rebels, she imagines him being killed - which would set her free. But she knows such thoughts are wicked; her father is a rebel soldier too, like all the men of her village. So who should she pray for, when musket balls start to fly? Which matters most - love or loyalty? If God could see into my heart, she wonders, what would He tell me to do?

Her father, Adam, is a brave man tormented by fear. He has two fears: first, that he may be a coward, and run from the enemy; and second, that he is not one of God's Elect, and will go to Hell when he dies. But like all the men of Colyton, 'England's most rebellious town', he marches to war, risking his life for what he believes. When England's most notorious judge, Judge Jeffreys, is sent to punish the rebels, Ann and her father are faced with the hardest choices of all.

'A masterpiece ... it was as if I could hear the musket shots in my ears.' Samantha J Morris, 'Loyalty Binds Me' historical review. 'The characters are superbly written and the dialogue is absolutely perfect ' David Fenn.

'This book ... launches right into the action and really had me visualizing the battle sequences as I was reading. It also has something for everyone (romance, action, history, drama) and pushes at the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal.' Andria Saxelby for The Kindle Book Review.

'A beautifully-written and well-researched work full of fascinating detail about life in 17th century England. I recommend this book without reservation.' Jenny Twist, author.

'I unhesitatingly recommend it.' Darlene Williams Historical Review.