The Preacher's Bride

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

I enjoyed reading this wonderful novel set in the early

seventeenth century of the Protectorate rule under Oliver Cromwell in England.

It is fascinating in its detail of the depiction of the lives of ordinary people who lived in Bedford, England and

made their living as bakers, tanners, merchants.

The heroine of the story, Elizabeth Whitbread, is a daughter

of a baker. She is the elder daughter of the family and by arrangement of her father is expected to marry an apprentice tanner from her neighbourhood by the end of the summer.

I loved the spark of romance in this novel regarding

Elizabeth and John, a widower with four children,

the youngest who is a baby.

Elizabeth is obliged to assist by request of a minister to help out the household and the four children, even against John's wishes. She believes that she is doing her duty and the baby may not otherwise have survived without her assistance. Early before dawn each day she would arise and make her way to the house of the preacher, John, and his four children.

A tinker by trade, John finds the time to often leave Bedford and walk in the surrounding areas to preach.

Eventually Elizabeth and John marry. Elizabeth would often watch John leaving in the mornings, his red hair flaming, carrying his tinker's bag and picking his way across the fields to another town or place to continue his work of preaching.

Later, in the story Elizabeth regrets that she had ever tried to encourage John to give up his preaching. She realises

that this was his true calling and it had been wrong of her to attempt to encourage him to stay at home. At the time Elizabeth's wishes for John to place his wife and family before his preaching had placed a strain upon the marriage.

This novel is a story of romance and true beauty, the beauty that is engendered by pursuing a life where worldly concerns cannot intervene or prevent John's true calling in life. Even when John is made aware that he may be arrested he still will continue to engage in a prayer meeting with local people rather than seek escape across the fields to freedom.

The romance sparkles, the dialogue flows, the story is a page turner and the characters give depth and character to the story.

There is also the beauty of working towards a higher and greater cause which is inspirational to read about.

One of John's friends, a minister, who would subsequently visit him in

prison, recognised his talent for writing and would encourage him to continue with his writing.

There is the simple life-style and aspirations of Elizabeth and many of the people of the town who have lived under the Puritan rule and the contrasts of life-style which become apparent and which Elizabeth encounters when she visits London on John's behalf.. and eventually in time there is the restoration of Charles II to the throne when eventually matters improve for John, when the King grants an Indulgence.

This is a lovely book, inspirational and beautiful.

Well worth reading!

This story is loosely based on the true story of John Bunyan, author of “The Pilgrim's Progress” which he wrote while in prison and the story of his second wife, Elizabeth.

Beautiful Fontainebleau Palace

Beautiful Fontainebleau

What a splendour!

Fontainebleau is a beautiful palace set in the Fontainebleau forest.

The setting in the forest, the little town of Fontainebleau and the palace

make for a magical and enchanting setting.

Inside the palace are wonderful treasures and inspiring pieces of art and beauty.

A visit to this magnificent palace of Fontainebleau is inspirational.

The name Fontainebleau derives from the legend of a dog named Bleu

who became lost during a hunt in the forest. This was the king's favourite

hunting dog and the king's men were sent into the forest to find the dog. Eventually

Bleu was found with a nymph and a stag at a stream in what must

have been a beautiful setting at the time. To this day there is a Nymph of

Fontainebleu which can be seen at the Louvre in Paris. The gates of the palace

were also decorated with a statue of the Nymph.

I enjoyed reading the book of “The Serpent and The Moon” by Princess Michael

of Kent as it gave fascinating detail of earlier times and the story of Diane de Poitiers

and Henri II, the son of Francis I, who was responsible for building the palace of

Fontainebleau during the renaissance era. The legend of the nymph of Fontainebleau

is mentioned in this book.

Art and decorative themes from earlier

times are on display.

Furniture and decorations enhance the rooms, colourful with candles, tapestries, pictures, chandeliers, mirrors and bedroom furniture. Statues and winged angels are sometimes depicted in the corners of ceilings and as wall features.

A throne room, queen's apartments, ballroom (which Francis I had started and which was

completed by Francis I's son, Henri II), Napoleon's library

and a gallery are impressive and beautiful.

 

 

Looking out from the windows can be seen views

of gardens and lake.

 

Resplendent candlelabra atop mirrors and beside open window frames

evoke an era of romance and elegance of a by-gone era.

The royal family often lived at this palace in earlier times as also did Napoleon and Josephine in a later era. It was sad and poignant to learn that a bedroom had been beautifully decorated for

Marie Antoinette but the unfortunate queen never stayed in this room because of the revolution. However, Josephine in later years stayed in the room. The furnishings were quite exquisite.

Reds, blues and greens seem to have been predominant themes in many of the rooms and the green would have reflected

the Emperor's colours of Napoleon which were quite beautiful. The style was befitting an Emperor of France and sufficiently reflected the grandeur of his position.

I can imagine Josephine sitting at her boudoir in a softening light reflecting on the furrniture writing a letter or preparing for a grand occasion of music and entertainment in the ballroom.

 

The theme of Fontainebleau, a quiet and serene palace seems quite different from any other

palace.

The palace grounds are peaceful and beautiful with a water fountain of

Diana, the huntress with her stag and dogs from which streaming water pours into the fountain.

Looking up at the palace is a balcony at the side of the palace which I noticed. It is quite unique as it stands out and I wondered who may have looked out on the gardens from this balcony. Lovely

statues also adorn the outside of the buildings in this area of the gardens.

 

 

Walking back to the main entrance gate and following the path through the gardens I noticed a sombre

sad looking tree which did have an unusual name of a hanging tree. This tree seemed to be sad

as though it reflected the troubled times which the royalty of previous times had endured and

was now no longer there enjoying the splendours and wonders of beautiful Fontainebleau. This was a most unusual tree.

 

In the book of “Louise de la Valliere” by Alexandre Dumas there is a scene noted where there was also a Royal Oak at Fontainbleau which was quite a famous tree. This “venerable oak” was a feature of the park in the time of Henri II and Diana of Poitiers and Henry IV and Gabrielle d'Estrees.

“...In this manner they reached the royal oak, the venerable relic of an oak which in its earlier days

had listened to the sighs of Henry II for the beautiful Diana of Poitiers, and later still to those of

Henry IV for the lovely Gabrielle d'Estrees.” (page 178 of the Alexandre Dumas novel which has as

a setting the wonderful palace of Fontainebleau.)

During the time of Louis XIV Fontainebleau would have been a lively and wonderful place with

entertainments. The park, lake and gardens would have provided a magical setting.

The book of “Royal Flush” by Margaret Irwin gives wonderful detail of this era of the court which gives a fascinating account of the story of Princess Henriette, known as “Madame” the Duchess of Orleans who married the brother of Louis XIV.

Katherine de Medici, one time queen of France, also held magnificent pageants at Fontainebleau and these entertainments are depicted in a series of tapestries.

Fontainebleau certainly is a historic place with the surrender of the Germans at the end of the Second World War being signed in one of the rooms.

Also, the famous staircase from where Napoleon said good-bye to his soldiers before leaving to go

into exile is a prominent feature. This staircase is quite magnificent. A poignant reminder of all that has gone before in this place of memories, pageantry and beauty.

 

 

Enchanting Chenonceau

The wonderful Chateau of Chenonceau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a morning in June I visited this unique and wonderful chateau.

Its beauty certainly appeals set on the beautiful River Cher.

This chateau is famous for Diane de Poitiers, a mistress of Henri II, who was famously known

for her beauty.

The beautiful Chateau of Chenonceau was given to Diane by Henri II. Later Katherine de Medici

claimed the chateau and Diane moved to another Chateau of Chaumont.

There is a lovely walk through an avenue of trees which seemed to glimmer in the sunlight

and at the same time provide shade on the way to the entrance of the chateau.

Then, suddenly, a wonderful vision of a beautiful chateau which looms large as the visitors

of the group approach.

This is scenic wonder! So amazing and beautiful!

The salamander of Francis I, King of France, is visible over the doorway.

There is a beautiful chapelat the entrance, a wonderful hallway with a vase of flowers,

magnificent views over the river and surrounding countryside and a room dedicated to

Louis XIV as he visited the chateau in July 1650.

It is lovely to wander around this beautiful and stately chateau, view the open countryside

and flowing river from the windows high up in the chateau, visit the kitchens and the

bedrooms of previous queens. There is also a Diane de Poitiers bedroom and a bedroom of

Gabrielle d'Estrees, mistress of Henri IV.

There is an interesting little green room upstairs which is known as the room from where

Katherine de Medici reigned over France.

The gallery is magnificent and when I visited there was information regarding the time

when Rousseau stayed at the chateau as a guest of Madame Dupin. The chateau of

Chenonceau was a place of inspiration for Rousseau.

Beautiful tapestries, paintings and motifs from renaissance times adorn the chateau.

It is wonderful to visit.

The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer

The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer

I loved reading this book by Georgette Heyer.

A wonderful adventure story and romance.

This book is set in the countryside at many of the country inns

which were often habited by members of the nobility on their travels.

Characters, places, towns and settings add interest and sparkle

to this unique story.

The Corinthian is Sir Richard Wyndham of the Wyndham Fall,

made quite famous in fashionable London, by the tying of his

cravat. He is accused of being a dandy by a few people in the story, but he is not this at all.

At one time Sir Richard is told by a disgruntled matron

that she has “the greatest dislike of all forms of dandyism” and has “ever deplored the influence exerted by the Bow -Window set upon young men of respectable upbringing.”

This is at a time when the lady's niece, Miss Penelope

Creed, has run away and she is searching for her with a view to her marrying her son.

Sir Richard Wyndham and Miss Penelope Creed, who is living in disguise, unwittingly

come across a stolen necklace which needs to be returned to its owner and meet with

some unexpected happenings along the way when they encounter thieves and villains.

The story is amusing, enchanting and appealing. Humorous dialogue also carries the story.

I loved reading this story. The romance is quite extraordinary. The characters of the novel apealing.

There are two romances in the story and the parralel romance is quite unusual also, involving a mid-night excursion to Gretna Green for an elopement.

An extraordinary set of circumstances brings about this unusual twist in the tale. Two families who were at odds with each other as similarly in the story of the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet gave an added dimension to this adventure story.

Georgette Heyer, known as the Queen of the Regency Romance,

writes well of these earlier times, with inclusion of thieves's cant,

a reference of the Rogues' Calendar, Bow Street Runners and the Beau Monde set,

the “haut ton” of the worldm, many who reside in London, including the mother, sister and brother-in-law of Sir Richard.

Sir Richard is also being pressured and expected to marry against his better inclinations to a daughter of a family whereby a business arrangement is expected as he is informed quite frankly and directly by the daughter of the family.

Sir Richard believes that Penelope Creed has come into his life in the guise of Providence, as he tells her, either that or of Disaster and at the moment in reflection he does not care which. The story is very humorous.

The story commences in London and it is a lovely story. Well worth reading!

The wonderful world of Charlotte Betts' books Part II

The Apothecary's Daughter

Having read and enjoyed “The Painter's Apprentice” I was keen

to read the story which preceded this wonderful book.

The Apothecary's Daughter tells the story of Beth's mother

Susannah, who grew up in Fleet Street, London at her father's

apothecary shop. Beth had grown up learning her craft from

her father of herbal rememdies and cures and enjoyed working in her

father's apothecary shop.

However, there were changes in the air, not always

for the best for Susannah at first glance, though she eventually

finds her place in the world. Susannah's father, a widow, had

decided to marry again which turned Susannah's world upside

down.

This book is magnificent in detail with great descriptive writing.

However, as this book is set twenty years previously to “The Painter's

Apprentice” it brings the reader to the grim realities of London during

the plague years of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666.

This book is emotional and sentimental with wonderful depictions of

life as it was in London during these troubled times of the seventeenth

century.

This story is also a beautiful romance which appeals though I tend to enjoy “The Painter's

Apprentice” for the beauty of the romance. Many of the settings of London

were quite beautiful with golden sunsets, day trips and boat rides on the river Thames.

The romance is between Susannah and one of her father's customers at the apothecary shop,

Doctor William Ambrose, a fairly sombre professional man who works hard in London tending

his many patients. This romance evolves during the story.

There is some wonderful writing by Charlotte Betts describing the horror

and fear in London.

There are also beautiful descriptions given in the

writing of the sunsets, the River Thames, London streets and alleys

and also of beautiful Merryfields, the place

where Susannah eventually leaves London to live.

Strong writing and character make this book wonderful to read.

The wonderful world of Charlotte Betts' books:

I am constantly impressed by the talent and creativity

of contemporary authors of today.

I have recently read two books by Charlotte Betts which are

set in the seventeenth century.

I enjoyed reading both of these books.

The Painter's Apprentice is a wonderful descriptive story of London

set during the time of James II and depicts life as it was during

those fascinating times in London. Horses and carriages, an elegant style of living and the manners and mores of the times are evident in the writing.

The settings of London and its surrounds are quite fascinating and

the characters of the story are endearing.

I loved the romance of the story of Beth who falls in love with a

a budding and ambitious architect from the New World

who assists Sir Christopher Wren with many

of the new works including a church which are flourishing in London at this time.

Beth visits London to assist the Bishop at Fulham Palace with drawing and depicting the flowers and plants of his botanical gardens.

Beth has come from an unusual but loving home whereby her parents

helped and assisted unfortunate people of society who did not have

anywhere else to go to and would have been sent to the Bedlam Asylum

if not for the repose offered at Beth's home of Merryfields.

It was here

that Beth gained her invaluable skills as an apprentice painter to one of the

long term residents. This aspect of the story is quite fascinating with

variable descriptions of previous events in history which may have affected

some of the residents.

The story also gives an indication of the times and the way of life of seventeenth

century London. The mood of the times, the populace of London and

aspects of the reign of James II are also described.

The story gives descriptions of the events which eventually

lead to the Glorious Revolution and Princess Mary, daughter of James II and her

husband, William of Orange, succeeding to the throne of England.

The romance and sense of adventure, the fascinating portrayal of members of Beth's

family and the enduring beauty of many of the scenes with descriptive and expressive

writing give credence to this wonderful story.

The novel of Louise de la Valliere by Alexandre Dumas

 

The novel of Louise de la Valliere by Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas novel of Louise de la Valliere evokes a gentle

and idyllic time of beauty at the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Nobility of spirit, gentility, gallantry and sentimentality seem to jump

from the pages of this classic. The style, the exuberance, the humour

and wit and descriptions of life at Fontainebleau and during the seventeenth

century in France combine to make the story a work of art.

So creative and endearing are the frolics of the characters and the amusements,

poetic style and form of the novel that it certainly is a masterpiece of creativity.

I loved reading this book as it conjures up another world of the gentility and also

beauty of life. In this the king was quite adept.

An array of fascinating characters enlighten the story – from the King who falls in love

with Louise de la Valliere, the musketeers, d'Artagnon, Aramis, Porthos and the

Count of Bragelonne, son of Athos who is sensitive and noble of spirit who has wished to marry

Louise de la Valliere. Humorous episodes are recounted as when Porthos is taken

to a grocer's country seat by d'Artagnon on their travels to Fontainebleau.

Towards the end of the novel is a very descriptive scene of Charles II at Hampton

Court where the Count of Bragelonne has been residing.

Madame Henriette (Princess Henriette d'Angleterre) with her enduring vivacity and

brightness, Montalais, a friend of Louise de la Valliere and the Count of Guiche who falls in love with Madame all

play a fascinating role in the story.

Also the courtiers who surround the king including

Saint Aignan and Malicorne who had a canny way of knowing what would be to the

king's liking, as for example, when he advises people of the king's party and a painter

to arrive late so as to give Louise de la Valliere and the king a few moments together

before the painting of the portrait.

Colbert and Fouquet also make appearances in the novel as in a wonderful stage play.

The descriptions given of Fouquet are quite admirable and he seemed to be a popular

and amenable character who falls in love with the Marquise de Plessie-Belliere who also

assists him in raising money for the king by selling her jewellery. This scene is earlier in the

book and Fouquet at times is also shown to be quite vulnerable in many respects. This, because

of demands which are made of him by Colbert, as for example, raising money for the king and putting on an entertainment for the king and also by being advised by Aramis to send a

letter to Louise de la Valliere believing at the time that the king was in love with Madame (Princess

Henriette.) Louise de la Valliere was in the entourage of the court of Madame.

The scenes of bathing in the River Seine during the peak of the summer months and the beautiful

descriptions of settings at Fontainebleau, including a wonderful old historic oak tree cast a magic

spell over the novel. At times I can almost be reminded of “A Mid-Summer Night's Dream” such

is the evocative and enduring beauty.

This book is indeed worth reading for people who love reading of the era of the Sun King.

It is quite spell binding and riveting. Almost as though every word on the page is a delightful

gift from the master craftsman.

Alexandre Dumas has written a worthy novel of the early years of the king's court and I now

look forward to reading the sequel “The Man in the Iron Mask.”

I will also look at the previous book of the series “The Count of Bragelonne.”