Review | Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory

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T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW

An Epic Story of Family and Adventure | Best Historical Fiction Books

Do you love stories about palace intrigue, defiant heroes, and long-awaited love fulfilled? Not to mention a female "villain" that rivals a modern-day Marvel comic villain? If so, then you need to read the third book in Philippa Gregory’s Fairmile Series — Dawnlands. Join a family as they battle for their lives and search for a new dawn in a world that is just beginning to open up.

The Setting for a Thrilling Adventure

When you pick up this historical novel, you will be transported beyond the conclusion of the middle ages to the year 1685 when England is on the brink of civil war again. King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is set to take the throne. The people are divided over whether or not they should accept him as king due to his Roman Catholic mandate.

This story follows a family from one end of the empire to another as they fight their way through battles in the Somerset Levels all the way to hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados. Every page is filled with suspense and intrigue, making it hard to put down until you reach its epic conclusion.

A Story About Love and Strength

Not only does this historical novel tell an exciting story full of action and drama, but it also focuses heavily on themes of love and strength. Our heroines find themselves having to make difficult choices between what their hearts want and what their minds know is best for them under the circumstances.

They must rely on both inner strength and external help from friends to survive each challenge that comes their way.

The characters are richly developed and each of them brings something unique to the story. The family matriarch, Alinor, and her daughter, Alys, are determined to protect their family from those who would seek to harm them at any cost while still balancing good sense and what they can — and cannot — control.

Their courage and determination are inspiring and readers will quickly become invested in the family's journey as they strive for survival amidst all odds. Alinor's brother Ned has secrets of his own that he must face before he can truly understand where his heart truly lies.

But the character that will burrow into your soul is a Pokanoket young woman named Rowan, who embodies all the desires we share... and none of the fears.

All these characters intertwine together beautifully as they fight for what they believe in while trying to stay alive in troubled times.

Perfect if you’re looking for the best historical fiction books with an exciting adventure full of suspense and intrigue then you need to look no further than Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory!

This historical fiction novel takes readers back to 17th-century England during a tumultuous time when tensions were high between Catholics and Protestants... with life or death consequences if you land on the losing side, which is shifting constantly.

With compelling characters who are faced with difficult decisions, historical novel readers are sure to be captivated by this historical epic story of family, courage, and love fulfilled! Don't miss out — pick up your copy today!...✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. TIP: Although The Fairmile Series is a cumulative historical novels series, you can read this book series as standalone books… As for me, I started with Book 3 but, after finding Book 3 landing on both my T.I.M.E. Favorite Books and T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books lists, I intend to circle back to read Book 1 and 2 in order (which expands this historical epic tale to span multiple generations). . Hopefully, before Book 4 is released!... I can hardly wait!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 500

Genre: Best Historical Fiction Books | Best Historical Fiction Novels

Sub-Genre: Family Life Fiction | Family History

Time Period: 1685 - 1688

Location: London and Sussex (England) | Barbados

Publisher: Simon & Schuster | Atria Books

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…

Book: The Fairmile Series by Philippa Gregory ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TV Series: The White Queen (Adapted from The White Queen by Philippa Gregory) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

MORE T.I.M.E. TOP BOOK PICKS from…


Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.


BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Get ready for an exciting journey through time to 17th-century England with Philippa Gregory’s novel, Dawnlands.

This book is the third in her Fairmile series and follows a family’s adventures as they set out to find new hope in a world that is changing all around them. With themes of palace intrigue, heroic defiance, and a long-awaited love fulfilled, this story will take readers on an unforgettable journey.

When King Charles II dies without an heir, his brother James is set to take the throne and England is on the brink of a civil war due to their divided opinions over his Roman Catholic mandate. The story follows the characters from one end of the empire to another as they search for their place in this rapidly changing world.

From the last battle in Somerset Levels to hidden caves on Barbados’ slave island, readers looking for the best historical fiction books will be captivated by this epic tale that spans not only generations but entire continents as well.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:

  • The power of resilience of the human spirit and courage in the face of adversity — It is a testament to the strength and perseverance of Alinor, her family, and other characters in Dawnlands that despite all the obstacles they must overcome along their journey, they remain strong and defiant against those who would oppose them.

  • The importance of learning from the past — Themes of history, culture, human rights, and tradition are explored throughout this historical fiction novel as characters must come to terms with the consequences of their actions and learn how to move forward in a world that is constantly changing.

  • The power of love — Through all of their trials and tribulations, Alinor and her family remain devoted to one another and discover the true power of love in the face of great adversity. These lessons remind readers that even in our darkest hours, we must never forget to appreciate and cherish what truly matters most.

BOOK QUOTE:

"We can think right, we can do right. And when we choose liberty, and justice for all, we will have it." — Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory

VIDEO | HISTORICAL NOVELIST PHILIPPA GREGORY

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Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody

Denise Wilbanks is the boss babe behind This Is My Everybody... where she is passionate about helping women to simplify their life, home and business so that they can start creating a life filled with what matters most to them.

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