Hot Winter Sun

Against the turbulent backdrop of the English Civil War, where political treachery and religious persecution are commonplace, and unlikely romance springs up between Catherine Trefelner, a beautiful villager, and Robert Bradshaw, co-heir to one of Cornwall's richest estates. Staunch Royalists, Robert and his twin brother, Julian, are loyal to the clever, but misguided King Charles, while Catherine's father is a fanatical Puritan, living for the day the Parliamentarian Army unseats the king and makes Royalists conform or seek refuge in France. As Catherine navigates the challenges of her new life as Lady of the Manor, her father constantly threatens vengeance over her marriage to a Royalist. Ever cynical, Julian continues to question Catherine’s motive for marrying his brother, and what follows is a spine-tingling tale of love, hate, revenge, envy, mercy and redemption during one of the most chaotic and unstable times in England’s history. Book Review 1: "A seventeenth-century romance mixed with the mystery of murder is the canvas upon which Russell spins her tale and a heady mix it proves to be! Weaving a delightfully feisty narrative that courts intrigue, she admirably maintains the tone and tenor of the genre, her bygone era lovingly resurrected with an infallible eye for detail and a keen ear for dialogue that pervades throughout. There are the jocularity, craving and indulgence that attests to the timeless allure of historical romance, but this is much more than a captivatingly voyeuristic novel with Russell encouraging reflection on prevailing matters of the heart. Suspense, sexual tension, and love are abundant, but they would be little more than the requisite offerings of romantic fiction if it wasn’t for Russell’s talent for creating wonderfully vibrant characters. First and foremost of which are the recalcitrant Julian Bradshaw and Catherine Trefelner. Their story being one of tragic loss, recovery, love and ultimately acceptance. Immediately enthralling Hot Winter Sun proves an extraordinary debut for Russell and one which will undoubtedly be well received by fans of 17th-century historical romance. It is recommended without reservation!" -- BookViral Book Reviews Book Review 2: "An amazing novel that grabs you and does not let you go!" -- Novelio–Listen to My Words Podcast