A Divided Inheritance

by Deborah Swift, Penelope Freeman (Reading)

Elspet Leviston's greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel's lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane. Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Spain, Fiction, British Literature, Historical Romance, 17th Century

Audio CD

First published October 4, 2013

About the author

I am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.

I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com

Reviews

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of Deborah Swift's A Divided Inheritance. She'd come highly recommended, but a hundred pages in I couldn't help wondering when I was going to be swept off my feet. It took a while, but somewhere around the midpoint I began to really appreciate this story and by the end, was lost in the world she'd created within these pages.

Despite the straightforward jacket description, A Divided Inheritance is a multilayered and elaborate fiction that touches on a wide variety of complex concepts and intrigue. The massive scope is mind-boggling, but when all is said and done, I think Swift does an impeccable job pulling the various elements of the narrative together.

Historically speaking, I was fascinated with the story of Moriscos in Spain and how it contrasted with that of the Catholics in England. As a reader, I really admired Swift's unprejudiced and gentle handling of the material, how she was able to tackle something as personal as religion without overwhelming her audience with spirituality and ritual.

I was similarly drawn to the detailed descriptions of swordplay. The fight scenes are not overdone, yet still illustrate the many nuances of the craft. From the stance a fighter must retain to the advantage gained by a particular style of blade, Swift was able to convey a real understanding of vocation and what it took to master the art of fencing.

I don't mean to downplay Swift's characters, their turbulent emotions and convoluted relationships make excellent reading material, but it was the detailed descriptions - the bustle of London's merchant class and the competitive rivalries that burned with such ferocity in the streets of Seville - that I will remember when I look back on this piece.

Elegantly written, A Divided Inheritance brings the uncertainty of the seventeenth gloriously to life in an engaging tale of determination, tenacity and family loyalty.

[Jenny Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Deborah Swift is a master at bringing seventeenth-century England to life. And not the glitz and glamour of kings and queens and courtiers, but the diorama of everyday life, of merchants and tradesmen, of husbands and wives and mothers and fathers, of servants and street urchins and criminals. A Divided Inheritance brings us into that world once more and introduces us to Elspet Leviston, daughter of the successful owner of Leviston Lace. She and her father have lived humbly and quietly since the death of her mother, and Elspet is perfectly content to handle the affairs of the house while also helping handle the affairs of the business. She enjoys the sense of purpose and freedom she finds in being included in the business, and though her father is not given to displays of affection, she is secure in the knowledge that she is first in his heart--until the day his long-lost illegitimate son shows up on their doorstep. Suddenly, Zachary Deane becomes the center of her father's world, usurping Elspet's place in the business and in her father's estimation. Elspet finds herself relegated to a "woman's domain," her opinion no longer welcome in business matters, and even worse, her father becomes determined to marry her off to a man she's never met. Her resentment and suspicions about Zachary grow by the day, but her concerns fall on her father's deaf ears.

Zachary is delighted to suddenly find himself the center of such a prosperous world. The old man who thinks he's his father dotes on him, anxious to make up for lost time, and Zachary is perfectly happy to let him. But instead of focusing his attentions on the lace business, his new-found wealth serves to spur on his passion for fencing, fighting, and dueling. After one too many scrapes with the law, his father decides to send him on a grand tour of Europe to make connections for the business. Elspet fumes at this lavish reward for ill behavior, but she is powerless to do anything. But not long after Zachary's departure, a series of mishaps places the lace business in peril, and one final blow proves to be more than her father's heart can handle. Alone in the world, Elspet is incredulous to discover that her father left everything but a share in his business to Zachary. Elspet doesn't even own the house she lives in, and she is now reliant on Zachary for everything. She literally can't do anything without Zachary's approval. But Zachary is nowhere to be found, having departed from his itinerary to seek out the best sword makers and fencing masters in Spain. Elspet determines to take her future into her own hands and makes the perilous journey by sea and by land to Seville, where she finally catches up with her ne'er-do-well "brother." But her pleas for cooperation are lost on Zachary, who wants nothing to do with his shrewish and disapproving sister now that he has his father's money. Elspet finds herself in a desperate fight for her livelihood in a strange land on the verge of a religious war as the Spanish king seeks to remove all Muslims from the country. With the help of a few unexpected new allies, and with Zachary slowly coming to understand there is more to life than fighting and revenge, they will both discover hidden truths within themselves and the strength and courage to stand up for what is just and make amends for what is not.

Elspet and Zachary are stars in this novel with wonderfully drawn personalities and character arcs, but the time spent on many lesser characters they encounter detracts from them and their central story a bit. As in all of Ms. Swift's novels, the description is vibrant, the historical detail is fantastic, and the quality of the writing is superb. But I thought the pacing was off in this one. In the beginning, I found myself burning through the pages as I got to know Elspet, but I found my interest waning for most of the middle section of the novel. The narrative starts shifting back and forth in time and shifts to new characters right at the point where I was expecting the story to really kick into gear, but instead it sort of expanded and unraveled. Things picked up again once Elspet and Zachary met up in Spain, and there was a very exciting sequence of events leading up to the ending, but then the ending itself left me a bit dissatisfied. What I had hoped would happen didn't happen, and I was left without a real feeling of closure. And I like closure. So while this isn't going to be my favorite Deborah Swift novel, I can still recommend it as a worthwhile read for its unique story and impeccable historical flavor.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this book has been thoroughly researched and soundly set in the 1600's, London, would be an understatement. Richly detailed in every way, this is a novel that pleases even the staunchest historical fiction aficionado. Ms Swift is never out of the element of Jacobean England, and I dare anyone to catch her in a flaw!

Not only is this a resplendent historical, but it is also a gorgeously written story of love and mystery.
I fell in love with the characters, as well as their turbulent relationship. I think that's what makes a book truly enjoyable to read. The side story of the lace and embroidery was fascinating to me, as well, since I am a needlewoman, having spent over 40 years practicing needlepoint and cross stitch myself. Just an added bonus.

Deborah Swift's writing style is reminiscent of "The Count of Monte Cristo" in its swash-buckling and drama. There is a timelessness about it. She is an author who stands alone in historical fiction because of her sense not only of scene and setting, but of characterization, plot, and authentic descriptions of costuming.

If you're looking for a novel that will bring you a few hours of authenticity, escape and mystery, this is the one. Ms Swift knows how to engage a reader. You'll find yourself swept up in the love story, the romance and the beauty of London and Spain...

5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so I was somewhere, I had one book with me, since I could not possibly even finish one. But yes I did read almost half of it. I was never that into it, but I read on, what else to do...

But here came the problem when I came home, I did not read then, I did not read the next day, and at the evening the next day I finally picked it up again. But it was just so...ok, only ok. I started reading some, skimming some, just wanting it to end. I had already invested time in half of it, I had spent 3 good reading days and was pissed at the book.

Zach was somewhat of an ahole.
Elspeth was boring.
Then they were in Spain, meh, a lot happened.
Crappy ending.

I always have trouble with her books. They just are not for me

Meh, I will give it an ok. Barely!

[Natasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself is founded on an interesting premise but seems to go on rather too long for what it needs to accomplish. Given the change of locale in midstream, it also has the feel of two novels, which aren’t all that well bound.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third encounter with Deborah Swift’s writing, A Divided Inheritance, did not disappoint. In a superb integration of historical fact and plot, Deborah Swift masterfully interweaves family loyalty, religious intolerance, and adventure. We travel from lace making in rainy seventeenth century London where Catholicism is forbidden to Catholic-dominated Spain and fencing under the blistering sun.

Two very different main characters take us on their separate journeys. Elspeth’s dream is to continue her father’s lace making business. Troubled when mysterious cousin Zachary appears, she relaxes when her father sends him to Spain to participate in the Grand Tour in Seville. As disparate as the characters are, the book coalesces into an adventure you will not want to miss.

For this novel, Swift steps away from her beloved England. Her insight into the Inquisition and Spain are commendable. She nimbly achieves a cross-cultural perspective as the book moves through unexpected corridors to examine the tenacity of family loyalty.

Highly recommended. For more of Deborah Swift's superb historical fiction, see The Gilded Lily and The Lady's Slipper.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! A masterpiece indeed.

A Divided Inheritance starts off in London, where Elspet Leviston finds herself usurped in her father's eyes by the appearance, out of nowhere, of her cousin, Zachary Deane. The story travels to Spain in the time when Muslims were being persecuted and driven out of their country, not a period of history I knew anything about, though this didn't matter as I soon picked up exactly what was going on; however, there's a brief history at the back of the book that you might like to read first.

There were so many elements about this story that I loved, not least of all Deborah Swift's clearly intricate research and wonderful storytelling capability. It's got the lot: the bleakness of life for a young woman in the slightly impoverished middle classes, the marriage forced on her for business expansion, followed by Elspet's personal growth when she is thrown outside her secure, limited existence, tested in ways that make her alter her entire outlook on life. The story takes the reader from the dark alleys of London to the bright colour of 17th century Seville, and I loved the multi-faceted Zachary, in many ways the villain of the tale but so beautifully painted that I rooted for him throughout.

With lost love, double dealing, desperate flight in terrible circumstances and the horror of religious persecution, this is terrific, unusual novel that I think puts Deborah Swift right up there with the best and well known historical fiction writers. Highly, highly recommended.

[Dolores]

I couldn’t keep reading it. I couldn’t make myself care about the characters.

[Yanper · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first encounter with Deborah Swift’s writing, and I was not disappointed. The book has been surely researched and it is an integration of historical fact and plot. Historically speaking it refers to the story of Moriscos in Spain and how it contrasted with that of the Catholics in England. The plot is well written only at the end left me with the feeling of not closure. In any case it is a historical fiction during a very interesting period.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well. This book was another disappointment. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't that great either.

I had three main issues. Parts of the story and plot seemed disparate, like they really should have been in separate novels. The main characters were unsympathetic and uninteresting. Lastly, the pacing was uneven.

The story starts in Jacobean England where Elspet and her father, Nathaniel, run a lace making business. Their peaceful existence is stirred up by the appearance of Zachary Deane, Nathaniel's bastard son. Zachary is proclaimed heir to the lace business, but because of his wild trouble-making behavior is sent out on a world tour. While Zachary is on tour, Nathaniel dies. Elspet then travels to Spain to find Zachary and fight for some control of her own over the family business.

Most of the rest of novel is set in Spain at an exclusive swordsmanship/fencing school. And the rest of the plot is mostly concerned with the Morisco population ( those of Islamic/Moorish descent in Spain). My issue was that the two elements seemed to be arbitrarily smashed together. I felt the novel should have just focused on the Spanish fencing school and the Morisco persecution (which were both quite interesting). And then perhaps the lace business (which sadly wasn't discussed much) and the drama surrounding its inheritance could have been further developed into its own novel.

As it is, I have a hard time caring for Zachary or Elspet. Zachary is a rogue, and not the fun witty kind. He is dishonest and grasping and generally unpleasant he does get redeemed slightly during the end though. I wished him ill for most of the story. Elspet is more sympathetic, simply because many of her troubles stem from simply being female in olden times. However. her main character trait seems to be hard-headed persistence, and she's not terribly likable. Both are a bit boring really. As far as I'm concerned the passionate Morisco, Luisa, and the enigmatic master of the school, Alvarez, needed to be the protagonists.

The pacing also seemed to a bit off. I just kept reading, reading, reading and little happened. Zachary continues his quest to become a master swordsman and overcome his Napoleon complex. Elspet follows Zachary around and tries to convince him to give her back charge of the family business. Rinse, repeat. And then at the end, the action picks up to an almost absurd degree considering the book's previous pace the Moriscos are expelled from Spain with much violence.


If you are a big historical fiction buff and don't mind a less than compelling read as long as it covers a little explored historical topic, then this might be the book for you.

Received a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

London 1609...

A Divided Inheritance is set initially in Jacobean England when distrust of family, neighbour and friend had reached its zenith. Religious persecution was rife throughout Europe and in England hidey holes for Catholic priests could be found in the most illicit of places. Helping to run the family lace business with her father, Nathaniel, Elspet Leviston’s life is about to be turned completely upside down by the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane who has his own ideas for the family business. When Nathaniel dies unexpectedly, Elspet and Zachary are forced into a battle of will to determine which of them will have the inheritance of Leviston’s Lace. However, Zachary has disappeared into Spain, and Elspet has only a limited amount of time to track him down, before she risks losing everything she and her father worked so hard to attain.

As with Deborah Swift’s previous novels, the research and fine attention to detail is impeccable. The Jacobean world is revealed as a scheming hotchpotch of family rivalry and religious persecution which takes the reader from the stark and drear world of Jacobean London, through to the sweltering heat and colour of Catholic Spain, when the inquisition lingered on corners and the dreadful expulsion of Muslims forced families apart in the most horrendous of circumstances.

Initially, the book appears to get off to a slow start with little seeming to happen, but then about a third of the way into the story, and particularly when the focus shifts to Spain, the narration becomes livelier. The strength of the story telling and the vivid imagery of seventeenth century Seville is quite compelling. The day to day life in Spain made for fascinating reading; I especially liked the revealing of intricate details of swordsmanship at the fencing school.

European history and particularly Spanish history is not an area I am familiar with, so to have a story which seeks to shed light on some of the more disturbing events that happened in seventeenth century Spain whilst at the time keeping control of an intricate and complex family drama, made this an enjoyable and fascinating read.

I am sure that fans of well written and factually accurate historical fiction will love it as much as I did.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DIVIDED INHERITANCE is the first novel by Deborah Swift I’ve read, and I was impressed by the rich historical details. This book paints a vivid picture of the beauty and turbulence of 17th century Spain.

The story begins in London with Elspet Leviston working with her father in his lace business, fully believing she will inherit it someday. Suddenly a man named Zachary Deane appears at their door, and Mr. Leviston introduces him as her cousin. Soon Elspet is pushed aside and told to concentrate on “womanly pursuits” while Zachary is taught the lace business. Of course, she’s furious, and rightfully so.

The mysterious Zachary turns out to be an immature trouble-maker, and Elspet knows there’s something from his past he’s hiding. Before she can find out, Mr. Leviston sends Zachary on a “grand tour” of Europe in hopes that it will educate him and turn him into a proper gentleman. Unfortunately Elspet’s father dies soon after he departs, and she’s shocked to discover Zachary has inherited half of the lace business. Since she can’t do anything without Zachary’s approval, she sets off to find him, finally tracking him down in Seville, Spain. He’d abandoned his grand tour to take fencing lessons from a master swordsman while poor Elspet suffered. Luckily she was strong and determined, and willing to fight for what was hers.

A big part of this book focused on the horrific treatment of the Moors by the Spanish king. While Catholics in England were being oppressed, Muslims were the victims of religious persecution in Spain. For me, this was an eye-opening read.

There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book, and at times Elspet and Zachary’s story got lost in the shuffle. Still, I was thrilled at the outcome of their inheritance squabble, and I was pleased at how Zachary’s character evolved over time.

A DIVIDED INHERITANCE is sure to please fans of well-researched, detailed historical fiction. And, maybe, just maybe, there’s an opening for a sequel?

Rating: 3.75 Stars

Source: Review copy provided for participating in the author's book tour.

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and A Divided Inheritance is one of the reasons why. It is so rich in detail, drama and vivid imagery. I felt like I was traveling through Europe. Deborah Swift ably explores family, loyalty and duty in 17th century England; at a time, where Catholicism was forbidden in one country and violently enforced in another.

Elspet is our heroine in this novel. She is strong; but innocence. She has been given a difficult situation and very valiantly finds her path. She has to continually deal with a man’s shortcoming; whether it be her father, Hugh, or Zachary. However, she is strong and prevails.

Zachary is on a journey of self-discovery. His life prior to meeting Elspet and her father is very sad and full of abuse and violence. When he finds kindness but how does he deal with it? Poorly. Watching Elspet and Zachary trying to salvage their life is very interesting and compelling.

Religious intolerance is another aspect to this book. The fear and anxiety prevails throughout. The Inquisition is completely incomprehensible. I will never understand it. As well, as the intolerance in England. Elspet’s friar’s cellar instilled so much imagery in my mind. I couldn’t imagine having to practice my faith is secret. Same with the Moriscos in Spain. So much fear is just so sad.

A Divided Inheritance is a wonderful book full a rich historical detail. It is journey that definitely needs to be followed.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an epic! I enjoyed this from the very beginning. Particularly liked the aspect of a smart young woman trying to respect the repressive culture in which she is maturing, yet bridling at it. She senses there's more to life than running a house, and she has a head for business and even adventure, as she discovers later. The author, Deborah Swift, hints at this:

"A sensation of longing filled her chest, so strong that it made her want to stretch out to claw back that brief light (of a shooting star). It was a longing for home, but not a country to travel to, no, not that. Rather, some country deep inside herself." What thinking person hasn't felt this way at some point in life?

It's stunning how much research Swift must have done in order to include the historic details of London and Spain in the early 1600s. Good pacing, rich characters and settings, an undercurrent of feminism, and a good developmental arc for the two main characters. This is a coming of age story for the young man and woman, Zachary and Elspet, respectively, and also an exploration of an historic event based on a clash of cultures and religious intolerance. A very satisfying read.

[Sharon M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elspet and Zachary

Elspeth finds out that her father has divided her inheritance with a total stranger who her father tells her is her cousin but later is told that he is her half-brother. In the 1600's a female has no real rights and when her father dies suddenly while her cousin-brother is on the grand tour she is left destitute. This girl has been doing all the book work for her late father and is more than capable of running his companies except for this interloper. She and the shop foreman and her maid set out for Spain. This story is extremely well written and well researched. It deserves your attention.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of Roman Catholics being persecuted in Jacobean England in comparison to Catholicism being the dominant faith and power in Spain at the same time. I really enjoyed the character development of both Elspet and Zachary throughout the book, it felt quite natural. This is my second Swift book & she does always like to end her books on a happy note it seems, no matter how bleak the chapters before it are.

[Anna Legat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and emotionally captivating story which crossed the boundaries of genre: historical, adventure, romance, tragedy. It is literature with a heart.

I reached for it on recommendation and my expectations were high. The book surpassed them. I found it intriguing to start with and as I went deeper into it I could not put it down.

The story is set in Spain’s Golden Age under Philip the Pious when the country was firmly in the grip of Holy Inquisition and religious intolerance aimed at its Arab population. Moors, once the conquerors, are now persecuted, divested of their rights and property and deported to Northern Africa. In parallel to that, Protestantism has superseded Catholicism in England, and Catholics are forced underground to practise their faith. The persecutors in one country are the persecuted in another, and that irony is not lost on the author. She shows the plight of Moriscos (Arab converts to Christianity) with great empathy. Their rounding up for transportation on ships to Morocco and their futile resistance resonate and bring to mind other similar tragedies in more recent history. The setting of the story in time and place is masterfully delivered.

As are the characters and their personal stories. Swift demolishes stereotypes as her characters develop and leave the comfort zone of what’s familiar and are thrown into the mill of history, misadventure and hardship. I loved the way Elspet transformed from a little English lady into a true heroine. Zachary too underwent his character-building transformation. Two people from two socially irreconcilable backgrounds were ultimately reduced – or rather elevated – to their common denominator, that of just being human.

A wonderful tale.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two people, Elspet Leviston, responsible daughter of a lace dealer in Jacobean London and Zachary Deane, the illegitimate son of a poor Spanish woman whose bullying brothers have taught him to lie and steal. When Elspet’s father suddenly brings Zachary into their household, usurping her position in the family business, she is horrified and as a dutiful daughter considers marriage to an apparently pleasant suitor. Her relief when Zachary sets off on a grand tour is swiftly removed on her father’s sudden death and her world turns upside down when she hears the conditions of his will.

From the calm everyday life in London, where only the need to conceal their Catholic faith disturbs them, Elspet sets out across Europe to find Zachary and sort out her future. Meanwhile, Zachary is discovering his true purpose in life, studying with Senor Alvarez, a Master of Fencing. It is difficult to like Zachary at first but easy to understand him and as the plot develops so does his character. Elspet also changes when she reaches Spain. Her circumstances deteriorate and her way of life is completely different but the charismatic Senor Alvarez also guides her future. And then she and Zachary find themselves caught up in the terrible expulsion of the Moriscos, the Moors who had settled in Seville.

Deborah Swift’s historical research is impeccable, grounding this unusual story in the troubled world of early 17th century Spain and questioning the role of women and the place of religion in society but this is not a learned tome. It is an exciting, passionate story, full of vibrant, realistic characters and thrilling events. I could not put this book down!

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1609, and Elspet Leviston lives quietly in London with her father who runs a lace business. Their rather dull status quo is thrown into confusion when a fellow merchant's ships are wrecked in a storm and a young man appears claiming to be a cousin, or even a half brother. Elspet's father, motivated mainly by guilt, foolishly changes his will and his daughter soon finds herself bereft in her father's time and affections. The change of circumstances that follow mean that her suitor withdraws while her new relation leaves on a Grand Tour of Europe planned and funded by Mr Leviston..

In desperation, Elspet follows Zachary to Spain, where he has gone to train in sword skills, abandoning his sponsor's schedule. At this point, the novel ramps up a gear and is significantly more interesting. Deborah Swift has done some serious homework and research to bring to life the expulsion of the Moors from Spain at this time. As cultures and social class lines mix and blur, both protagonists go on their own inner journey of self-discovery, and have time to ponder whether blood really is thicker than water.

An illuminating novel which benefitted from the shift to Spain. I felt the ending was a little rushed, not entirely satisfactory, and I really wanted to know what had happened to one of the characters who trained at the sword school but whose narrative wasn't tied up. Nevertheless, if this is the standard of the author's writing, then I'd happily read more of her work.

[Christina Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a great tale, and a book which I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I didn’t really know what to expect and was, in truth, only drawn to the book by the cover…which is really a poor way to decide what to read. However, I wasn’t disappointed. Feeling an affinity with the lead characters, Elspet and Zachary, the tale weaves across two countries, and explores the dynamics between those from a wealthy family to one evolved from desperation and poverty. The two main characters meet in unexpected and traumatic situations, all dealing with a ‘lost’ and found inheritance. The stifling formalities of the 17th century, where ladies, were meant to act like ladies, to Spain, where a real sense of freedom and liberty prevail. That is, until civil unrest occurs due to ethnic cleansing and a families desperate escape. The story explores the development of a young selfish young man, driven by a desire to learn the art of swordsmanship, and the the softening of his character as he finds love, all be it to lose it again. And, the story of a young ‘brittle’ woman who has to literally fight to survive and scrape back her inheritance taken from her by a duped father who beloved Zachary was his only son. It’s all about fighting for survival in a cruel and unjust world.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story

This book is not only a story, but a journey. It begins in 1599 England and continued through to 1610.

The two main characters are an unlikely couple in that one is a thief, Zachary, and Elspet is a gentlewoman. The inheritance is the main focus, initially, after their father's death.

The ensuing journey the two travel becomes lessons on life as well as love as the two of them end up in Spain. Their are religious, political, cultural and racial issues that meld into the intolerance and genocide of the era.

This is a fascinating story and well written as characters are well described, as are locations in both England and Spain. I was bolted to my seat as I read as the action and suspense held me enthralled. This books is so very hard to put down.

I love the historic value of this story. It is an important reminder to us today of where our political and religious leaders are taking us. History repeats itself in subtle ways and grows like a disease if we allow ourselves to be misinformed.

I highly recommend this engrossing book to readers in general and readers of historical fiction.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elspet Leviston knows about discrimination based on gender and religion. Although she has worked with her father and his lace-making business she is barred from public involvement. Her gender also defines her role in society including education, marriage and property rights. She's an English Roman Catholic in 1609 and that means that her religion is outlawed, persecuted and must be practiced in secret. Her half brother, Zachary Deane, finds that he faces discrimination too -- he's a bastard who was raised is poverty. While he is accepted in business circles he is rejected in "polite society" because of his background.

When circumstance find them in Spain they encounter a different kind of religious discrimination when the Spanish crown expels the entire Muslim population (even those who converted to Christianity centuries ago). Muslims are degraded as the "other" and called heathens, lazy, stupid, and criminal. Sound familiar?.

Well researched with interesting characters and a few surprises.

No sex
No violence

[Hidayah6064 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am undecided about this book. The storyline was very interesting but I had a difficult time identifying or even liking the main characters. The main reason I continued reading the book was for the fencing. It was fascinating to read about the discipline, art and science set against a backdrop of turbulent Spain. The other interesting part of this book was how it touched on perhaps one of the darkest points of Spanish history, the expulsion of the Moriscos by King Philip III of Spain (1600s). Though the book did not quite manage to capture the that raw feeling one gets when reading of injustice and persecution, it did valiantly try. All in all a fairly interesting read that I personally feel, suffered slightly under the author's literary style and creative choices.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting at all. I went in thinking it was going to be about the lace business and two people who might be related.

It started out like that but it slowly changed into a story in Spain about people hating Muslims. Oh my, not my kind of book. My heart can't take stories of people fighting for their lives over something like how they practice their faith. Pages and pages of heavy heartedness.

I was just looking for some historical fiction fluff. Something that would be fun to read. I guess I should have gave up when I realized I had no idea where the story could possibly be going.

If you like a meaty story, and don't mind heart ache ( and no romance), you will probably like this story. It just wasn't for me.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much of interest in this book. Elspet’s father has a lacemaking business so there are many details about that - where the lace comes from, the out workers who make it etc. England is in the time of James I and so is divided by faith and then along comes Elspet’s half Spanish half brother. A grown man who she has never heard of before who disinherits her. The story then takes us to Spain in the time of the Moors being expelled from the country. We learn about a specifically taught method of sword fighting, how swords are made, what it was like to be a Moor/Muslim at that time - having been born Spanish but expelled as a foreigner. All around, a very interesting, absorbing read. Recommended.

[J.G. Harlond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another splendid, multi-layered novel by Deborah Swift. This story is a complex yet compelling read that includes a single young Englishwoman's journey to self-discovery and independence (relative to the period) with the expulsion of the Moors from Seville, plus fascinating details about fencing and the London lace trade. Ms Swift knows how to pull on the heart strings: it was impossible not to feel ad fear for the heroine - a real heroine who overcomes all manner of challenges - and also not feel some pity or empathy with the anti-hero, who is the product of his social circumstances and epoch. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans.

[Marggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

compelling historical fiction

Swift’s portrayal of the historical religious conflict in Spain through believable, sympathetic characters immerse the readers and keep us engaged to the end. I wanted more, but overall the story was well told. In trying to understand why I chose a four rating, I think the numerous details of the fencing school philosophy were more than needed and slowed the movement of the overall story. Also, while not the fault of the author who addressed it honestly but not excessively, the subject of the horrific treatment of the Spanish Moors was difficult to digest.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend the book.

The subject was interesting, but the author could have added a little fire to it, and I would have given her four stars. It was a 'hilly' book--she wrote so well sometimes that I felt on top of the hill, then the book would become boring causing me to read at the bottom of the heal. I purchased the book to read about the Spanish Inquisition but not much was said about it. The hype did not match the read. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.

Thank you, Ms. Swift, for a good read.

[Gamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accurate account of Muslims plight in Spain through a marvellous historical novel

Not only i consider this novel a masterpiece but I also learned a great deal of historic events that took place in that era. The novel left some ends loose to be tied by the imagination of the reader. The outcomes mean much less than the drama of the big picture and the fate of the Moors. Muslims had a great civilization in Andalusia but then they degraded. History keeps repeating itself. Great work Deborah Swift!

[Debra Yaskow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Somewhat slow paced in the beginning, but book improved once setting changed to Spain. Informative regarding religious persecution during that time in Spain, but not in depth & with no graphic violence or sex. Overall, a fast paced plot with fairly good character development. Kept my interest throughout the book. I prefer to read books with some historical aspect that is fact based. Only issue was that the ending was very abrupt. Not sure if author plans a sequel, but it seems that may have been the plan with the abruptness of the ending.