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Rating:  -
In Duking Days, Anita Davison takes the reader on a journey from Loxbeare Manor House to the aftermath of the Battle of Sedgemore to Lambtons, an ale house in London.
Ms Davidson recreates the sights, sounds and smells of the era including that of the ill-fated rebellion led by the Anglican Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles IInd, in an attempt to win the throne from his Roman Catholic uncle, the unpopular James IInd.
At the beginning of Duking Days Helena Woulfe's position as the only daughter in a loving family has changed for ever. Her father, uncle and eldest brother have joined the rebellion.
When the rebellion fails, Helena, her mother and young brother are at the mercy of those appointed by King James to punish traitors. Helena and her family are not only in danger of losing their lives but also in danger of losing everything they own, and Helena is desperate to discover the fate of her menfolk.
Helena is forced to grow up fast and realises her only security as an attainted man's daughter lies in a suitable marriage.
While I read Duking Days I hoped Helena would triumph over her misfortunes.
I can't wait to read the sequel: Duking Days,
Rosemary Rach
Rating:  -
The author of Duking Days has an uncanny ability when it comes to creating historical fiction that is exciting, romantic, and believable. A fantastic work by a wonderful new author.
Rating: -
The cruelty and aftermath of Monmouth's rebellion left havoc in the wake of many a noble's life and family. For Helena Woulfe, the daughter of a wealthy Exeter nobleman, the complete destruction of her previous privileged life became her reality.
Shunned by society because of her rebel father and brother after the bloody defeat in the battle of Sedgemoor, Helena leaves behind her destitute family. Somewhere amid the devastation is her father and brother and she is determined to find them and bring them home.
But while she is away, misfortune once again strikes her family. Soldiers enter her home to arrest her traitor father. When he cannot be located, they tear the family home apart and confiscate it on behalf of the crown. During the ransacking, her mother loses her life. Helena and her younger brother, Henry, flees to the safety of a family who are willing to give them shelter, but as danger draws ever closer, Helena and Henry depart for London where it is easier to hide among the large crowds.
Labeled as a traitor's daughter, Helena does her best to restore her life, but her family's reputation continues to haunt her as King James wants revenge on all who opposed him.
Through all the death and destruction of her life, Helena finally meets Guy, a young man who offers her love and security and hope to restore her respectability.
Anita Davison has skillfully brought to life the realities of this brutal time in England's history. Well researched, the novel evokes strong emotion pertaining to the rebellion and the state of the country afterwards. I enjoyed the perseverance and strength of the characters, especially that of Helena. A tremendous novel that accurately depicts the era.
Rating: -
I've always hated reading about English history... found it dry and boring, UNTIL, I discovered Duking Days. New author, Anita Davison, has such a flare with descriptions and emotions that you'll find yourself pulled into the story and won't want to leave until the book ends... then you'll be upset that it's over.
The good news? She's working on a sequel so you'll again get to meet her entertaining characters, share jolly old England through her eyes and words, and, I promise, you'll love it. She's on my keeper shelf and I'm sure she'll end up on yours, too.
Duking Days: Rebellion
Rating: -
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)
"Duking Days: Rebellion" is set on the backdrop of a fascinating period of history. It is 1685 and popularity is high for James Scott -- the illegitimate son of King Charles II. His goal was to capture the British Crown from his Uncle James II. A battle ensued -- one of the bloodiest in history, and one in which the Woulfe family participated.
Helena Woulfe kept a journal despite her mother's disapproval. The journal told the story of how her family coped and survived the war, how they suffered betrayal, embarrassment, hardship and grief.
Helena's father Jonathan, her brother Aaron, and her Uncle Edmund, went off to war fighting for Jammie, James Scott, the illegitimate son of King Charles II, who some thought to be heir to the throne. King James II had declared all supporters of Jammie as traitors.
The steward Tobias made her uneasy. He had been with them a year, yet no one seemed to know where he was from. He carried himself with a presence that seemed above his station. She was always aware of his presence in a room without his saying anything. Helena wondered who this strong man with arrogant ways really was.
Helena knew that her family would always be known as traitors. The king claimed all the property that belonged to the rebels that fought against him. Helena knew the only answer was for her to go to the battlefield and find Aaron and her father, if they were still alive. Nathan Bayle insisted upon accompanying her and kept her safe. Helena and Henry became wards of a kindly neighbor and eventually go to London where they hope people will accept them and they can go on with their lives.
"Duking Days: Rebellion" by Anita Davison paints a picture of war, grief, romance, and love. History comes alive in the story of Helena Woulfe, a young woman of privilege until her father takes up the cause of James Scott. She shows great courage when she seeks to find her father and brother. Even when King James seeks revenge and takes all the family owns Helena shows tremendous courage. Anita Davison is a talented writer. The characters are very well-developed. The plot flows smoothly. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy "Duking Days: Rebellion."
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