September 1400 King Richard II of England is dead. And after three years in His Majesty’s service, Rhys ap Tudor and his brother Gwilym are finally free to return to their ancestral home in North Wales. Their long-anticipated homecoming is overshadowed, however, by the harsh changes they encounter in their once peaceful land. The new king, Henry IV, rules with an iron fist, and the country is … ripe for rebellion. Instantly thrust into the forefront of the conflict, the proud Tudor brothers enter the fight for their freedom. Lady Catrin Buckley is alert to the unrest swirling around her. As the daughter of an English father and a Welsh mother, she knows too well the trouble her lineage poses. Her own battle, however, is one of the heart: she is to be married to a man she neither knows nor loves. Then an unexpected encounter with the enigmatic Rhys ap Tudor changes everything. Soon, Catrin finds herself swept into a rebellion that could not only change history but also rewrite her own future.
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This was a really interesting historical fiction novel. I don’t know anything about the Welsh rebellion, so it was really cool to learn more about this time period through this novel. Although I’m not typically a fan of battle scenes, the writing of the battles in this book kept my interest. The romance between Rhys and Catrin was sweet, and I really enjoyed reading this book.
4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was so well written I felt like I was there and in the freezing cold in Wales. I loved the character building and getting to know each person. The changes in Lady Catrin was a beautiful transformation. Rhys was swoon worthy and everything a noble and man of honor should be. The love story was woven seamlessly within the historical context. What would you do for love? That is what I felt myself contemplating as I read this book. The struggles, the sacrifices, the courage it took to live during this time, I am amazed. I find myself weeks later still thinking about this story. This is so much more than a love story, it is about love of country, love of your birthright, love of what is right, and most of all following your heart. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s September 1400 and King Richard II is dead. The Tudor brothers, Rhys and Gwilyn are headed home to Wales for the first time in three years after serving the King and his crusade. They arrive home to discover much has changed in their absence. While some changes are good, such as the marriage of their younger brother Maredudd. Other changes, like the firm rule of Henry IV bring conflict and hardship.
Lady Catrin Buckley finds herself torn between two worlds, the world of her English father- Lord Buckley, the Constable of Beaumaris Castle and her mother’s Welsh heritage. When she meets the Tudor brothers, she finds herself in the midst of helping the Welsh rebellion all the while finding love in an unexpected ally.
Masterfully mixing history with a dash of legend, Sian Ann Bessey’s latest novel is one you won’t want to miss. The richness of the historical background and setting will make you want to sit down and research every aspect of Welsh traditions and life in the 1400s as well as learn all that you can of the Tudor brothers and what begins the Tudor dynasty.
I love learning history through fiction– it makes so much more sense to me than mere dates and places. It was incredibly intriguing to learn some Welsh history. This story is amazing and so well told. Wander with Rhys, Gwilym, and Lady Catrin through these pages and learn what it is like to be at “the heart of the rebellion.” I LOVED IT!
A journey back in time to the world long before the British Empire, when Kings were crafting the world we know with their conquering ways. To a time of knights and honor, king and country. This book is a beautifully written adventure about three brothers protecting their Welsh countryside from the invading English.
Full of adventure, bravery, and even love. This tells the tale of enemies, allies, and what happens based on loyalties.
Based on true people and events with fiction beautifully woven into the fabric. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Historical Fiction. The descriptions and the language makes me want to go to Wales and get lost in the fae and magic that was brought to life for me in this story.
The Heart of a Rebellion was an interesting, exciting, captivating read. The Welsh culture seemed to come alive in this book and it was interesting to see the strategy that the Tudors took to fight for their country. The romance was played out well. It wasn’t rushed and it didn’t drag on long. The timing in the book was well executed. The characters were interesting and engaging. I wanted to cheer in their victories and successes. If you read this book, I would highly suggest reading the notes in the back. It was interesting to hear Bessey’s commentary on the historical facts behind this book and I would love to learn more about this history in time.
Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion.
Absolutely fantastic.
I love reading Sian Ann Bessey’s historical romances. The descriptions are so well done the reader feels like they are right there with the characters.
This book is wonderful. I love Rhys (pronounced Reese). He is kind, gentle, thoughtful, all characteristics I find most attractive. Very much like the man I love most, so it is natural I really enjoyed this character as well. Catrin is such a fantastic character as well, I liked her immediately.
The book takes place during the Welsh rebellion and is inspired by real people and events. The book was extremely well researched and Ms. Bessey grew up in that part of Northern Wales so the setting is particularly immersive.
I can’t recommend it enough!
As soon as I finished this book, I wanted to go back to the first page to start reading it again! This well-researched medieval romance tells the story of Rhys ap Tudor and Lady Catrin Buckley as they take part in a Welsh uprising and find themselves fighting not just for freedom for Wales, but for their future together as well. Sian Ann Bessey has delivered another must-read novel full of adventure, suspense, and swoon worthy romance. Don’t miss this one!
*I had access to an advanced copy of the book but am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinions.
Loved this story! Very well written. I hope this becomes a series because I sure didn’t want this one to end! Complex characters. Fantastic storyline and setting. This is a must read!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Such a beautifully written story. I loved the characters. They were written with such depth and strength. I loved how they found strength in doing right and following their hearts. A wonderful story of the Welsh Rebellion with a beautiful love story that’s sweet, clean, and pure. The ending is also happy and just perfect.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I had the privilege of getting an early copy of Sian Ann Bessey’s new book, The Heart of the Rebellion, and the following is my honest review.
This medieval romance will have you glued to the story. It had me spellbound with it’s suspenseful plot, the history, the courageous characters, and the love developing between two characters, which is probably my favorite part of the story.
Though this book is a romance, I feel as though guys would enjoy this book as well as it is a story of a rebellion, there is sword fighting, archery action, and my favorite…taking over an English castle.
This book comes highly recommended and is due out November 1, 2019.
Sian is an author I read when I want a history and a detailed well thought out book. She took this story from true life characters and I always think that’s a good way to go. She gives you details in the end notes that wrap it up. She really brings Wales to life with her descriptions. This is a great story if you don’t like the romance to dominate. It is part of the story line of a group of Welsh people trying to fight the tyranny of King Henry. It is a fascinating time in history. This is a slower paced novel with a very wholesome feel.
Wow! This book was amazingly written! So descriptive and full of intrigue and suspense. The characters were multifaceted and endearing and had me rooting for their success. I couldn’t recommend this book more!
Set during the Welsh Rebellion, this medieval romance has all the makings for an incredible novel. Mixing fictional characters with historical figures, this book has real life battles and events I didn’t even know existed, all brought to life by the author’s incredible descriptions. Lady Catrin’s character reminded me of Queen Esther or Joan of Arc at times and yet so relate-able. Her vulnerability and inner strength are perfect for this novel’s setting. I loved the scenes between her and Rhys. Rhys himself is an incredible hero, the loyal, true to his values, extremely kind type that you dream of meeting in real life. A fabulous medieval romance even more beautiful inside than its incredible cover. I definitely recommend this novel!
There’s a simple ethereal beauty about this cover. I’m a total sucker for a cover. Inside I’m desperately hoping for a story that matches everything I’ve fallen in love with on the outside. This, is that book.
I don’t usually read medieval stories. But I so badly wanted to read ‘The Heart of the Rebellion’. The setting is North Wales. The Isle of Anglesey, Conwy & Snowdonia. All places I’ve been to so many times throughout my childhood, and later with my own family. This is a land steeped in history, culture & natural beauty. With so many castles, you are spoilt for choice.
This book had me hooked from the start. There were times I just wanted to read, but – life. Work. Church!! I loved how Lady Catrin, though of English nobility through her father, has a link to the people she has jurisdiction over, through her Welsh mother. The bad guy – the Duke of Bedford is easy to despise 😉 and then there’s Rhys. Oh so noble, brave & a natural leader. I felt at times like I was in a Robin Hood plot – I could vividly picture the places, and I loved this through to the very last page.
Based on true events, you will enjoy this story, full of names you’ve probably never heard of, let alone could pronounce (trust me I’ve tried) – but this adds to the authenticity of it. Looking forward to more from this author!