On Release - English Civil War novel.

This is the first book in *The Royal Series*

It's now available on Amazon as an e-book: see left sidebar for link to Amazon.

Blurb:

Orphaned at royal court, Anna Lady Maitcliffe embraced freedom from courtly restraint whilst residing at Axebury Hall Estate. Now grown to womanhood, wilful and impulsive she wins hearts with ease, but the one she loves above all others is seemingly immune to her charms. 


Morton Viscount Axebury, although smitten with Anna, duly rejects her during a brief exquisite moment of intimacy. But time and Civil War are marching across England, and he knows by loyalty divided they are to be torn apart, and believes Anna will be called to the Queen’s chamber.

Of a rebellious nature and prepared for the consequences of denying loyalty to the King, banishment from the estate is a small price to pay in return for his life. But when news of Anna’s sudden betrothal reaches his ears, short of taking war to Axebury Hall with a regiment of horse, how else can he wrest her from the clutches of his father: her guardian and husband to be?  In secret and alone he ventures to Axebury Hall Estate, perchance his fate in Anna’s hands. For should she choose to reject his love and declare his presence, there will be no escape!   






       

My beta reader claimed she cried several times whilst reading the proof, and suggested it have a Warning Notice: Tissue Box Required!

I so love the period of the English Civil War, for it entailed great change from that of supreme royal rule to that of man-of-the-people: Cromwell. The latter declared (or self-declared) Lord Protector. Though as often happens in cases of military coups, and that's effectively what occurred in this case, for a seeming born leader took it upon himself to challenge the King in battle. Needless to say victory was achieved by the Army of Parliament led by Cromwell, Sir William Waller and Lord Fairfax and other notable gentlemen.

Not all of Cromwell's backers were Puritans, for many lords and ladies rallied to his call on the basis the country's religious status was that of Protestant, and the king had married a French Catholic. The king's extravagances in respect of the royal household and the queen's influence upon him led to his downfall in more ways than one. The English Civil War became a time of divided loyalties, not only the country torn apart by the war but families too, as individuals sought to fight and or support the King or Parliament.         

Cromwell's army became known as the New Model Army, its soldiers referred to as Roundheads in respect of or in disdain of their steel helmets. After all, what a contrast the Roundheads were in their buff coloured uniforms in comparison to the flamboyant dress of the Royalists known as Cavaliers.   

      

That said, officers within the New Model Army wore similar hats (when not in battle) to that of the Royalists, their feathered plumes red (gold) to match their cummerband at waist: denoting regimental colours. It is claimed the discipline of the New Model Army was the winning factor. The Royalists were reliant on foreign mercenary soldiers who were apt - if caught by the enemy - to switch sides on the basis they were offered regular pay as a regular soldier of Parliament, and less reliant on pillage and plunder of enemy property. Though it seems pillage and plunder occurred on both sides of the divide.      

  

So there you have it, one of my favourite periods of history.