Death and life are in the power of the tongue.England 1586Alyce Bradley has few choices when her father decides it is time she marry as many refuse to see her as other than the girl she once was—unruly, outspoken and close to her grandmother, a woman suspected of witchcraft.Thomas Granville, an ambitious privateer, inspires fierce loyalty in those close to him and hatred in those he has crossed. … him and hatred in those he has crossed. Beyond a large dowry, he is seeking a virtuous and dutiful wife. Neither Thomas nor Alyce expect more from marriage than mutual courtesy and respect.
As the King of Spain launches his great armada and England braces for invasion, Alyce must confront closer dangers from both her own and Thomas’s past, threats that could not only destroy her hopes of love and happiness but her life. And Thomas is powerless to help.
’People never forget. When the fancy takes them, they bring the old stories out and embroider them further.’
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Alyce and Isabel, two sisters reaching womanhood in the late 1500’s. The two have always in a way tried to out do the other, and Alyce always was one to not abide by the seen but not be heard unspoken rule expected of women. Isabel seems to have it all, a husband and a child on the way. Alyce however could care less about marriage and children, from what she has seen she doesn’t know if she ever wants to be ruled over by a male.
Alyce’s father is done with her nonsense, and decides she needs to marry. Albeit Alyce pushed back, they come to an agreement that Alyce will have the final say. To her fear, she thinks that she will be wed to her father’s longtime journeyman, Robin. A man she has always spited and one who has shown that he will take whatever he wants. But another unexpected suitor is thrown into the hat. A decision is made and Alyce is to marry.
Thomas Granville has quite the reputation for being a privateer and womanizer, however Alyce is bound to try and give it a shot. What does she have to lose at this point, she was already forced to marry. The two are cautious around the other not sure the intent, but still wanting to be honorable and make things work.
Alyce often struggle with Thomas being gone due to his privateering, and it is decided that she will take a visit back at her old hometown. It has been some time since she has seen her family. As always were, Isabel is fighting to prove she is better and has everything better than Alyce when she comes upon Alyce and her own husband.
What Alyce thought she had gotten away from when she married Thomas, comes crashing back. She is being accused of being a witch and casting a spell causing another supposed death and temptation from another.
Will Thomas fight for her as he had promised in their vows? Will word get to him, and he come to protect her honor? Or will Alyce be hung for her wicked ways, just like her grandmother was decades ago? This was a very good read, as per the title often Alyce got herself in trouble with her own tongue and in those days it was ghastly if women outspoke or seemed to have a mind of their own. It was also very interesting to read about her being accused of a witch and how that all went down and was handled.
Thank you to the author, and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for another great historical read!
Thank you HFVBT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Bridled Tongue
By: Catherine Meyrick
*REVIEW*
Welcome to Elizabethan England, circa 1586, when Elizabeth I was queen, Mary, Queen of Scots, wanted to be queen, and women were otherwise treated with zero respect, belonging far beneath the wise men of the day. The Bridled Tongue is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against women during this time period. Our heroine, Alyce Bradley, 28 years old, unmarried and just returned home from a 12 year banishment. Why? Her grandmother was rumored to be a witch. Alyce loved her grandmother deeply, and upon her death, rumors began to spread about Alyce being a witch, as she was very outspoken and unruly, so Alyce was sent away to the country. Now, returning as a woman grown, her father wishes Alyce to be married and offers a large dowry. He agrees that Alyce will have a voice in the choosing. Soon, the privateer, Thomas Granville, enters the picture, and he and Alyce are wed. It’s a union of mutual agreement and respect. Unfortunately, both have issues from the past that will not rest. Alyce finds herself betrayed and scorned by those who should love her most. The old accusations of witchcraft rise out of nothing more than jealousy, bitterness and spite from a malicious horrible person. Alyce is a good person through the entire story. She is misunderstood and mistreated by others because they are so unhappy in their own lives, and Alyce is an easy target. Alyce is a remarkable character with so much strength and wisdom. Thomas is the perfect pairing with her, and despite his dark past, he is also a great character. Thomas is responsible, respectful and I admire these qualities. The story didn’t read like historical fiction at all, rather it seemed like a dramatic movie because it moved so swiftly. Props to Catherine Meyrick for writing something so compulsively readable and alive with intrigue, insightfulness and the mirror of the true nature of people at their best and worst. It’s a fantastic story. I strongly recommend reading The Bridled Tongue.
The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick
This brilliant historical fiction by Meyrick was set between Aug 1586 through Dec 1589 with an amazing story told within a very accurate historical timeline.
Our protagonist is Alyce Bradley who was quite the strong heroine, and an opinionated young woman who at the time was very close to being past her prime for a suitable marriage and family. Her father insisted that she marry as there were accusations about her being a witch. With a large dowry she finds herself matched to a privateer Thomas Granville. I loved seeing the development of their relationship from just a mutual understanding and respect for each other to the development of their love.
The story also leads us to a trial accusing Alyce of being a witch from nothing more than gossip, jealousy and misunderstandings as the basis of a life altering accusation. And of all people, this was initiated by her sister Isabel. My heart was torn to pieces to see Alyce be put into such suffering while in prison.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The timeframe in which the story was told was perfect with the inclusion of the subject of witches and the witch hunt during that time and how thousands of women were killed due to frivolous accusations, really made this story a highly engrossing read. This was one of the few books where the story was very easy to follow with very clear writing by the author. The dramatic storyline was incredible including the immersion of the reader within the story. The descriptions were imaginative and vivid as I was drawn to Elizabethan England into the characters’ lives.
I could imagine this book being made into a movie, and it would be pretty amazing for the love story and the dramatic trial scene. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans. Meyrick’s writing was brilliant and I cannot wait to read her other works. This was simply amazing.
Compelling historical fiction of 16th century England
This historical fiction novel tells the 16th century tale of a young woman reluctantly embarking on a marriage with a man about whom she knows little. The protagonist Alyce is embroiled in a witchcraft accusation, and the author successfully conveys the stew of malicious gossip, power plays, and devious political machinations, mixed with genuine fear and hysteria. She brilliantly captures the perfidy of such situations where the very absence of evidence can be construed as sure proof of guilt. Combined with colorful and compelling details about life in 16th century England and a touch of romance, this is a very enjoyable read.
Have you ever read a book, turned the last page and whispered “wow!” under your breath? As my eyes focused once again on my surroundings, I noticed three things:
• Three cups of half-drunk tea
• A small mountain of tissues
• An empty tissue box.
The Bridled Tongue captivated me. No, it ensnared me in a vice in which I could not break free from. My husband walked into the room, took one look at me in my ugly crying state, and abruptly turned back around muttering under his breath about his hatred of fictional characters—what does he know? The poor bloke only reads Haynes Manuals. He would not know what to do with a fictional character if one walked up to him and hit him!
This novel is about Alyce Bradley, a woman who is born before her time. She is a strong yet incredibly caring character who feels things really deeply. She is an empath with a heart that is overflowing with love. If only she could find the right man. But, alas, she has to marry Thomas Granville—mind you, I don’t think I would have minded overly much if I had to marry Thomas Granville, but knowing my luck his reading interest would have been limited to “how to make a fortune by privateering for dummies” or some such non-fiction. But I am getting off the point. So, Alyce, our heroine, marries Thomas, our hero, and they live happily ever after. Wrong!! And this is where this book differs from other historical romances because there is nothing simple about this courtship, for Thomas has many enemies, and Alyce has the most dysfunctional family ever to walk the earth. A family so dysfunctional that they cannot bear to see Alyce happy.
The vile Isabel Sutton, Alyce’s sister, really ruffled my feathers, I don’t mind admitting to that. Oh, I just cannot put into words how much I loathed that woman. Spiteful, jealous, and darn right dangerous. I don’t think I have ever hated an antagonist as much as I did her. If there are any witches to be found in this book, then the fingers should have been pointing her way because she has a wicked tongue condemning so dreadfully. With my hand on my heart, I can say that I absolutely despised her, which is, I guess, the reaction the author had hoped to achieve from her readers.
Although there is a lovely romantic story within the pages of this novel, this is also a book that really brought to life the era, and it also demonstrated how innocent people, especially women, were condemned by vicious tongue and jealous hearts.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was absolutely brilliant from start to finish and I think it is one that I will certainly come back to—I just need to buy some shares in Kleenex first!
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
I do love books set in the Tudor era. The Bridled Tongue is set during Elizabeth I’s reign, but this novel does not focus on any of the key figures of this era, although there are rumbling murmurs of the growing threat from the Spanish. Instead, this novel tells the story of Alyce Bradley and her rather dashing soon-to-be husband, Thomas Granville.
Initially, I thought I was reading a romance book with the traditional plot that historical romances like to follow, but this novel is so much more than a romance. It is a story rich in history and frightening in the sense that a reputation could be destroyed in an instant. Poor Alyce had really lucked out when it came to her family, resulting in the most dreadful of situations. Jealousy tears Alyce’s family apart, and the situation soon escalates out of control. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it is enough to say that once started, there was no way I was putting this book down. I think it must have been around 3 in the morning when I finally finished it, but it was more than worth it. This book deserved my attention, and I willingly gave it.
I really enjoyed every minute of this novel, and I will certainly be looking out from more books from this very talented author.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Meyrick illustrates a powerful understanding of human nature in this arresting tale of a 16th century woman who is strong-willed but conscientious. Alyce knows her faults and limitations, but when she accepts marriage to a man of means, she’s suddenly surrounded by bitter jealousy that winds up placing her very existence in peril. It’s ALL about human nature: covetousness, selfishness, bitterness… all of the things that can turn family and friends into enemies.
I was impressed with Meyrick’s deep knowledge of Elizabethan life and times. It wasn’t forced onto the page, but artfully scripted into prose that was intimate and informative, both in world-building and plot. How she builds tension by letting the reader “suppose” and slowly come to grips with risks and behavior each character displays was stirring. I found myself cheering Alyce on, believing in her, and frantic with despair over the acts of her family members.
This is a powerful book, full of deep joy amid an often tragic and inhumane period, ever displaying the enormous strides women have made since 16th century England kept them as bound as babes in swaddling.
Set in Elizabethan England this is a well-written and absorbing romantic novel. Alyce Bradley, returning home after being a lady’s maid in a grand house (which turns out to have been not so grand) comes into conflict with her father over her future. His father’s journeyman has ambitions to marry her but Alyce cannot bear him. (And neither can the reader!) Instead she opts for a more dangerous choice, Thomas Granville. Thomas has a reputation of a man with an eye for the ladies, and as a privateer. At first wary, the pair start to develop a relationship, against the ill–will of Alyce’s sister Isabel, who wants to keep Alyce at her beck and call during her pregnancy.
Alyce’s grandmother was accused of witchcraft, and when Thomas has to go to sea, these accusations come flooding back. Alyce has always been outspoken, and though this makes us warm to her as a reader, it gets her into a lot of trouble.
I won’t spoil the plot, but suffice it to say there is a wealth of historical background here, of Spain’s Armada, ad of the rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Conditions for women at the time are faithfully rendered, and there are historical notes at the back of the book to add to your enjoyment. If you like to read about the lives of ordinary women in the Elizabethan period, you will find this novel gives you plenty of evocative detail wrapped up in a page-turning plot.
An exciting and captivating story about Alyce Bradley, a brilliant young woman, ahead of her times. The story is set in Elizabethan England against the backdrop of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots and the adventures of the legendary Sir Francis Drake. Meyrick’s writing is full of accurate, historical details and her beautiful, descriptive prose makes it easy to imagine the market places full of gingerbread, spiced lavender, marigold brocade with stilt walkers performing; their ribbons fluttering.
This is the tale of the outspoken Alyce Bradley, sent away from home because of her close association with her grandmother who was suspected of witchcraft. Alyce returns to marry Thomas Granville – a so-called pirate, who, according to gossip, is only after her dowry. Isabel, Alyce’s spoilt sister, with her insistence that Alyce has the power to aid her in childbirth, sets off a rumour which puts Alyce in a very dangerous situation. This steadily grows worse thanks to the help of Robin Chapman and the dangerous Clifton. Isabel with her steadfast belief that ‘no ill can befall her other than by malice of design’ is a superbly drawn character. She is petty and spiteful, and I loved loathing her. Unfortunately, Granville also has enemies who would also see him ruined. The newly married couple seem to be doing fine until a dreadful incident occurs. From then on, the pace of the story speeds up and I tumbled over the final chapters, desperate to find out what Alyce’s fate would be.
This is a truly terrifying world where the danger of childbirth is all consuming, but the desire for a son and heir is everything – Isabel even worries that if she doesn’t produce a son, her husband may take her beautiful earrings away. England is a place where superstition and rumour can whip the masses into a frenzy and consequently lead someone else to their imprisonment and death. The prison episodes are described in frightening detail as are the trial scenes which had me reeling with the unfairness of the accusations.
I love the snippets of history Meyrick adds to the story; how the new married couple must eat and drink from the same plate and cup; the public rituals of removing the stockings of a new bride on their wedding night. Who would have thought that owning a ‘shawl’ in Elizabethan times was a novelty? This is an epic historical novel laced with action and romance. A great, absorbing read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was mesmerised from start to finish. Alyce Bradley, at twenty-eight, already a spinster without hope of making a great marriage, is such a sympathetic character that it’s hard not to fall in love with her from the first page. She has two potential suitors: Robin Chapman, a mealy-mouthed mercer, and Thomas Granville, a thoroughly red-blooded privateer, charming, and definitely a catch.
Although Alyce is famed for her quick tongue: “as sharp as it ever was”, according to her disapproving father, we gradually see that it was because it was far more difficult in those times for a woman to voice her opinion. Anne Boleyn was sharply rebuked by her new husband, Henry Tudor, and, in general, women learnt to hold their tongues.
Catherine Meyrick has created a novel very much of its Tudor time so much so that you can easily imagine yourself back in a parlour, or on the street. As a big Tudor fan, I relished all the description. The characters are all very well drawn, even the minor ones. The villains are extremely nasty, and they keep on appearing in poor Alyce’s life. Even her own sister, Isabel, takes sibling rivalry to a new level.
For me, Meyrick brilliantly highlighted the difficulty of being a woman alive in the sixteenth century, as well as how easily a charge of witchcraft could be brought against you. In everyday life, look at your neighbour the wrong way, make them envious, and you could find yourself hauled before a court, your very life at stake. It was a fast-paced novel, gathering speed in the final quarter and, to Meyrick’s absolute credit, I had no idea which way it was going to end. There’s only one way to find out….
It’s 1586, Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne with Mary Queen of Scots and the King of Spain nipping at her Royal heels. Alyce Bradley is returning home after being a Lady’s maid, turned servant, to a noblewoman where her parents sent her for the last 12 years. In her youth, she had a reputation for being unable to bide her tongue and speak her mind. A thing quite un-womanly or un-Godly even, in those days. And of course, it being the 16th century she is expected to only yearn for marriage and a family, but Alyce isn’t like most women. She wants to find a true love and someone that will respect her intellect.
Thomas Granville, known locally as a womanizer, is a privateer and has fought and sailed with Sir Francis Drake. When he hears that Alyce’s father is looking for a husband for her he suggests himself. he’s intrigued by her and her dowry also helps his new venture. It’s a marriage of convenience though both Alyce and Thomas aren’t entirely displeased with the situation. It’s a slow-burner of a romance but those are the ones I enjoy the best. I’m not an Insta-love kind of reader.
I absolutely adored Alyce! She was clever, sassy, and sweet. I’m not one to hold my tongue either and have gotten into lots of trouble by not keeping my mouth shut so I could relate to her.
In addition to Alyce and Thomas’ story, the book touches on the troubled relationship between Alyce and her sister, Isobel, as well as accusations of witchcraft against Alyce.
Meyrick’s writing is outstanding. I was hooked from the first page and completely invested in Alyce’s life. And Thomas is definitely swoon-worthy! The Bridled Tongue was the perfect book I needed right now to escape these crazy and scary times and I’m so grateful to Catherine for sharing a copy with me. I didn’t get a chance to read her other book yet, Forsaking All Other, so I will be picking that up soon. If you’re looking for a great historical with romance and a little danger, you should certainly pick this one up!