Captivating story with exciting characters!
This 11th century historical fiction delivers Nichol, the epitome of “nurturing mother and friend,” and the next a courageous, dagger-wielding warrior. Plotlines of love, innocence taken, hate, unsettling alliances, vibrant settings, magical oracles, realistic plotlines left me with ridges under my legs from the time spent on the edge of my seat.
A fascinating read …
An engrossing medieval tale in The Secret Hamlet. If you enjoy historical fiction, this captivating, page turning novel is a must read. She creates a fantasy world that doesn’t seem like a fantasy. Think Hunger Games or C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Powerfully Engaging Epic Tale!
Authors Barnes and Briles introduce a new layer of intrigue to the Harmonie Series with Book 2, The Secret Hamlet. The narrative delves into 11th-century France with meticulous detail as Nichol and her extended family escape the threats of Paris. Guided by The Lady, Nichol embarks on a perilous journey across the country, her infant daughter’s safety her utmost priority. Including supernatural elements, such as the hawk protector and The Lady’s guidance, adds a thrilling undercurrent of tension to the story.
These authors paint the journey’s delicate flavors and complex textures with endearing multi-dimensional characters, essential to the twists and turns of the story. Ezra continues the merchant training Nichol began with her papa. His wife Helene embraces Nichol like a daughter. Looking for a place to settle and grow, the travelers add to the number, each with a need to begin anew without hate or fear.
A solid female lead entering this story, Nichol’s character gains additional strength as she becomes a mother and moves into the leadership role of the extended family she brings together. Her honesty, simple truth, and honor make her a unique individual readers can embrace. When Nichol gains a heart sister, Emma, she learns of a possible ally in her brother, the Duke. Nicol’s wolf-dog protector, Shadow, a favorite character, sticks close to Nichol or the children, attuned to every subtle command.
The layers of evil, religious alliances, slavery, magic, love, and long-range goals add to the exciting threads of the journey to The Secret Hamlet. It was inspiring to see Individual characters use untapped strengths that Nichol sees to make a difference in the direction of their lives. Readers of medieval history with touches of fantasy will enjoy this captivating tale. Enjoy this outstanding stand-alone tale, but it is highly recommended as better if you read The Secret Journey, Book 1 in the Harmonie Series. It is essential to call out the stunning cover by Rebecca Finkel.