Review: By the Sword by Alison Stuart

By the Sword by Alison Stuart

England 1650. In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war. The country will be divided and lives lost as Charles II makes a last bid to regain his throne.

Kate Ashley finds her loyalty to the Parliamentary cause tested when she inherits responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. To protect the people she cares about, she will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours.

Jonathan Thornton, exiled and hunted for his loyalty to the King's cause now returns to England to garner support for the cause of the young King. Haunted by the demons of his past, Jonathan risks death at every turn and brings danger to those who love him. Finding Kate in his family home, he sees in her the hope for his future, and a chance at a life he doesn’t deserve.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester, Jonathan must face his nemesis, and in turn, learn the secret that will change his life forever. But love is fragile in the face of history, and their lives are manipulated by events out of their control. What hope can one soldier and one woman hold in times like these?

(Please note: The Escape Publishing Edition is only available in digital format)

Review:

I don't usually read books that involve widows because I love first loves (not that there is anything wrong with falling in love again or anything, I just don't usually pick up books like that). But, I was really intrigued because I love historical fiction, and the cover and blurb were fantastic. I love the historical part of this book because one I have never read a book set in 1650 as of yet. So, this was my first book in this specific time period. The romance was interesting in this book because it's not simple. It's not I love you and you love me, so let's just be together kind of love. It's we love each other, but there are things that we have to consider too. The characters were very well-written, a strong hero and a strong heroine. Stuart wrote a wonderful, exciting story, with beautiful descriptions that was easy to become hooked in. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

I received this book free from Tasty Book Tours and Alison Stuart in exchange for an honest review.