The Mask Revealed: The Jacobite Chronicles, Book 2
Continuing the story which started in Mask of Duplicity, this novel narrates the life of Beth Cunningham and Sir Anthony Peters during the period of Jacobite rebellion of 1745 and the various attempts to put Bonnie Prince Charlie of the Stuart line back on the British throne.
Beth is a pleasing character, and we follow her trials and tribulations, including her reluctant decision to marry Sir Anthony, who is a dandy and a social fop. The mundane social whirl of parties and inconsequential pastimes seem to be her fate, as she must accompany her husband, enduring his unwelcome presence. But at least she has an acceptable lifestyle, if not a happy marriage. Meanwhile the story broadens out into the wider landscape of the political struggle and intrigue as the Jacobite rebellion gathers pace, and Beth makes a discovery that is to turn her comfortable, secure life completely inside out: one that could not only endanger her own life but that of others.
While perhaps the characters are a little stereotypical of this sort of light-romance adventure novel, the writing style is good, and it is an entertaining read – the primary task of any novel. Although there is a prologue explaining the first in the series, I do wonder if perhaps it is best to read the books in sequence, as I did struggle a little to catch up with the previous events. Blending backstory effortlessly into the next in a series is often not easy, as it takes great skill to incorporate neither too much nor too little. Julia Brannan does a decent job of it, though. Her research seems detailed, and the presentation of the book is professional.
I look forward to Beth’s further adventures.
