The Innocent
The publisher claims this book to be a “sweeping historical saga of lust, conspiracy, and betrayal,” and I couldn’t agree more! The Innocent is a delightful and captivating medieval drama set in fifteenth century England.
Anne, a young peasant girl, is sent to join the household of a wealthy London merchant. She is no ordinary servant, as she possesses both beauty and an extensive knowledge of herbs and healing that elevate her quickly into service in the royal household of King Edward IV. Once there, events rapidly spiral out of control, throwing her into the midst of dangerous court intrigues as she falls in love with someone she shouldn’t.
Even though this book is labeled as a “romance,” this is no run-of-the-mill fluff. This is drama at its best, well polished and absorbing. The plot twists and turns with the perfect amount of dramatic tension, plenty of royal intrigue (as the story takes place during the War of the Roses), and is peppered throughout with delicious details of court life. This is the work of an extraordinarily talented new author, who is able to translate her skills as a producer of television dramas in Australia to her writing.
Fortunately for historical fiction fans, The Innocent is the first book of a trilogy! Fans of medieval historical fiction will truly delight in this enjoyable novel and ardently anticipate the sequel.
