Review: "A Pledge of Better Times" by Margaret Porter

Publication Date: April 14, 2015 

Gallica Press 

Formats: eBook, Paperback 

ISBN: 978-0-9907420-4-3 

Pages: 400 

 Genre: Historical Fiction 

   

A sweeping tale of ambition, treachery, and passion... For generations Lady Diana de Vere’s family loyally served England’s crown. But after King Charles II’s untimely death, her father firmly opposes James II’s tyranny. Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans—the late king’s bastard son by actress Nell Gwyn—also rebels against his newly crowned uncle's manipulation. Secretly pledging to wed Diana, he departs for the Continent to become a soldier. Political and religious turmoil bring about revolution and yet another coronation before Charles returns to claim his promised bride. As companion to Queen Mary II, Diana has followed her de Vere forbears into royal service. She expects Charles to abandon his military career after marriage, but he proves unwilling to join the ranks of the courtiers he despises and mistrusts. In palace corridors and within their own household the young duke and duchess confront betrayals, scandals, and tragedies that threaten to divide them. And neither the privileges of birth nor proximity to the throne can ensure their security, their advancement—or their happiness.

My Review

"A Pledge of Better Times" is a fascinating account of real historical characters Diana de Vere and Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans. It is set during an equally fascinating time--one of upheaval and frequent political changes. Margaret Porter accurately captures the time period and the various personages. The pace is quick but the multiple POVs can get a bit confusing at times. Diana and Charles are lovely protagonists and the reader will root for them as they forge a new life together in times that are anything but ordinary.

Praise for A Pledge of Better Times

“Meticulously researched and offering an impressive cast of real life characters brought to vibrant life, A Pledge of Better Times expertly captures the drama, passions, politics and religious turmoil of England at the turn of the 18th century. Margaret Porter crafts her story with exquisite detail, transporting the reader into a world full of intrigue, scandal, and breathtaking danger . . . a masterful writer.” - Award-winning author M. Reed McCall “With elegant prose and vivid detail, A Pledge of Better Times sweeps you into late Stuart England, transforming the lesser known adversities and triumphs of Lady Diana de Vere and Charles Beauclerk into a beautiful love story you won’t forget.” - Marci Jefferson, author of Enchantress of Paris and Girl on the Golden Coin “A portrait of Diana de Vere as rich as the portraits that grace British museums and palaces.” - Christy K Robinson, author of Mary Dyer Illuminated “The sparkling, dangerous, enticing post-Restoration period comes to vivid life! Porter gives us a wonderful, complicated heroine in Diana, drawing us deep into her world . . . . I couldn’t stop reading!” - Amanda Carmack, author of Murder in the Queen’s Garden: An Elizabethan Mystery

Official Book Trailer

About the Author

Margaret Porter is an award-winning, bestselling novelist whose lifelong study of British history inspires her fiction and her travels. A former stage actress, she has also worked in film, television, and radio. For more information please visit Margaret Porter's website. You can also find her on Facebook here and here, and on Twitter.

A Pledge of Better Times Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, May 4 Review at Just One More Chapter Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee Spotlight & Giveaway at Mina's Bookshelf Tuesday, May 5 Review at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews Wednesday, May 6 Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books Thursday, May 7 Review at Book Drunkard Friday, May 8 Review at Books and Benches Sunday, May 10 Review & Guest Post at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Monday, May 11 Review at Reading the Past Tuesday, May 12 Review at Flashlight Commentary Wednesday, May 13 Guest Post at Book Babe Thursday, May 14 Review at Unshelfish Review at Impressions in Ink Review at Caroline Wilson Writes Friday, May 15 Review & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation Review & Giveaway at Historical Fiction 
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