Review: the Silvered Heart by Katherine Clements

the Silvered Heart by Katherine Clements
Publisher: Headline Review
Release date: 7 May 2015
Rating: ****

Back cover blurb: 1648: Civil war is devastating England. The privileged world of Katherine Ferrers is crumbling under Cromwell's army and, as an orphaned heiress, she has no choice but to marry for the sake of her family. But as her marraige turns in to a prison and her fortune is forfeit, Katherine becomes increasingly desperate. So when she meets a man who shows her a way out, she seizes the chance. It is dangerous and brutal, and she knows if they're caught, there's only one way it can end... The mystery of Lady Katherine Ferrers, legendary highwaywoman, has captured the collective imagination of generations. Now, based on the real woman, the original 'Wicked Lady' is brought gloriously to life in this tale of infatuation, betrayal and survival.

the Silvered Heart is Katherine Clements second novel which I was delighted to recieve in the post from Headline Review.

Katherine Clements debut, the Crimson Ribbon was one of my favourite historical fiction novels last year and the Silvered Heart is on track to be one of my favourite historical fiction novels of this year.

Beginning in 1648, we meet Lady Katherine Ferrers as she is travelling to meet her soon to be husband. En route the travelling party are attacked by highway robbers, leaving Katherine and others badly shaken and injured.

Forced to wear Red on her wedding day as her wedding dress was ruined in the attack, Katherine's maid, Rachel is concerned that it will bring bad luck. Katherine does not believe in the sentiment, but does believe that she has been changed by the attack on the highway.

Katherine's new husband does little to dissuade her. Preoccupied with War, he is soon off to London, abandoning Katherine to take charge of the family home with very little money. Katherine is unaccustomed to living so frugaly, having been bought up in luxury.

With it now clear that her husband was only after her money and family estate, and uninterested in her, Katherine is determined to do something about it. Exactly what she doesn't know. But this is decided for her unexpectedly by a stranger.

As Katherine finds herself drawn in to a world of thievery and violence she inevitably begins to change. Can she earn enough money to survive and break away from her unloving husband? Or will she meet an untimely end in the dangerous role she has taken on? 

A compelling tale of loss, love, robbery and war, the Silvered Heart is a wonderful novel that I would highly recommend.

 

I am delighted to be taking part in the Silvered Heart blog tour which commences on 18 May;

the Silvered Heart is available to buy now from Amazon online and all good book shops

    Many thanks to the publishers who sent me an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.