Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, The Bridled Tongue. by Catherine Meyrick, which is being hosted by HFBT!
The Bridled Tongue
by Catherine Meyrick
Publication Date: February 1, 2020
Courante Publishing
Paperback & eBook; 342 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
England 1586
Alyce Bradley has few choices when her father decides it is time she marry as many refuse to see her as other than the girl she once was–unruly, outspoken and close to her grandmother, a woman suspected of witchcraft.
Thomas Granville, an ambitious privateer, inspires fierce loyalty in those close to him and hatred in those he has crossed. Beyond a large dowry, he is seeking a virtuous and dutiful wife. Neither he nor Alyce expect more from marriage than mutual courtesy and respect.
As the King of Spain launches his great armada and England braces for invasion, Alyce must confront closer dangers from both her own and Thomas’s past, threats that could not only destroy her hopes of love and happiness but her life. And Thomas is powerless to help.
‘People never forget. When the fancy takes them, they bring the old stories out and embroider them further.’
Available on Amazon
Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick, is exceptional historical fiction. This brilliantly executed novel is set between August 1586, through December 1589.
Alyce Bradley, a daughter of a mercer of high standing, was banished from her home twelve years ago and sent to live with a noblewoman, Lady Faulconer. Her parents deemed it necessary to squelch any rumors that might be associated with the family. Alyces grandmother died before any charges of witchcraft could be brought against her. Her grandmother friend was hanged as a witch 12 years ago, and this prompted her hastily removal from her family’s home in Norwich Village. This may have saved her life at this time.
Alyce is a sensible woman I completely connected to, and at the age of twenty-eight. Hard working, she hides herself under coif and aprons. Coming to terms with her lot in life, that did not received the good looks her sister has from their mother. She is a realist and has put her childish dreams away. The time spent away during her banishment has curtailed in hopes for a loving marriage or family.
So when she is told that her father is using a substantial dowry to find a husband for her, she only has one request. That she has the ultimate choice in the end.
Thomas Granville, who has just recently returned to England seeking investors for a new business venture. He is a some Wanamaker rakish reputation as privateer and a womanizer. Thomas remembers Alyce as child, but takes notice of her as a woman, when he visits the Mercer’s shop of Hugh Bradly.
Mr Bradly tells Thomas Granville that he is seeking a husband for his daughter Alyce, and she comes with a considerable large dowry. Thomas needs the funds and a companion for his sister, who health is failing.
Isabel Sutton, Alyce’s sister, is a petty girl, who has grown up to be a spiteful, jealous woman. Unhappy within her marriage and domestic situation. Lacking in true empathy towards her sister Alyce. Isabel allows jealousy to consume her, this has created a vicious and cruel temperament.
Alyce and Thomas’s marriage might be one of convenience, but they seem to be well matched. Even before the wedding ceremony there is some delightful romantic sparks. Their relationship grows more deeply as they take up residence together at Thomas estate. This secluded distance is just what the couple needs to strengthen their bonds of matrimony, and a beautiful romance blossoms within the comfort of their marriage.
When the past threatens the couple, and charges of witchcraft are brought against Alyce. She is then shown the true light of the people she seeks support from in her hour of need.
Catherine Meyrick delivers a complex, perfectly thought provoking beautifully written story. I was steadfast and completely absorbed deep within these characters lives. The exceptional prose and narration was phenomenal. An exquisitely written, ponderous look into one woman’s story struggling under the weight and malicious gossip and the accusations of witchcraft. The book’s creatively rich atmospheric details will catapult you to this riveting time period. In depth complex characters, and just the right amount romance adds this exceptional moving story. This is one captivating incredible book that has stayed with me far longer than any other in a long time.
An historical fiction that captures the effects of malicious gossip, and the spread of superstition, in a stunning thought provoking novel.
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About the Author
Catherine Meyrick is a writer of historical fiction with a particular love of Elizabethan England. Her stories weave fictional characters into the gaps within the historical record – tales of ordinary people who are very much men and women of their time, yet in so many ways not unlike ourselves.
Although she grew up in regional Victoria, Australia, she has lived all her adult life in Melbourne. She has worked as a nurse, a tax assessor and finally a librarian. She has a Master of Arts in history and is also a family history obsessive.
For more information, please visit Catherine Meyrick’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, March 16
Review at Nursebookie
Interview at Let Them Read Books
Tuesday, March 17
Review at Books and Zebras
Wednesday, March 18
Review at YA, it’s Lit
Excerpt at I’m All About Books
Thursday, March 19
Review at Historical Romance Lover
Friday, March 20
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Saturday, March 21
Review at Historical Graffiti
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Sunday, March 22
Review at A Darn Good Read
Monday, March 23
Review at Carole’s Ramblings
Interview at Jathan & Heather
Tuesday, March 24
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Wednesday, March 25
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Thursday, March 26
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two paperback copies of The Bridled Tongue! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on March 26th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Bridled Tongue
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