The Berkeley Trilogy

Butcher's daughter rocks and rescues English dynasty

 (Novelised biography of Mary Cole, 5th Countess of Berkeley)

 The Sheep and The Goats     Book Two  1799 – 1811 (coming soon from New Eve Publishing)

Now moving freely in aristocratic society, Mary must distinguish between enemy and ally! Even under her own roof, appearances can be deceptive and the husband about whom she has no illusions further falls from grace when certain matters come to light. The young Fitz’s philandering reputation is proving every bit as robust as his father’s and it's not long before he is caught up in amorous and political intrigue. When Hupsman's dying confession surfaces, the situation worsens and the dramatic death of Lord Berkeley brings the succession crisis to a head. Who will support the Countess’ story before the peers of the realm? And who will speak against her in revenge? Her flight abroad, in the face of  Napoleon’s spleen, is the only way to save her skin!

© Tate Britain

The Ivy and The Violet     Book Three 1811 – 1844

Sometimes the most fragile flower can confound the rampant creeper! Despite her history, the widow is not proof against the advances of powerful suitors and becomes a respected hostess of politicians and foreign diplomats. Mary watches her children make their (often chequered) way in the world in the shadow of their parents’ infamy. For more than thirty years she employs a watchman to pace the terrace below her window at Cranford, assured that a carriage is waiting day and night outside her secret tunnel lest the Regent (and then King George IV) should die and the law besiege her! During these years, however, she learns the art of inner contentment and on the day of her death sits by the hearth reflecting upon her extraordinary life. Gazing into the fire, the flame of life sinks lower and lower. She recalls that the date is the anniversary of the late James Perry’s birth and feels his presence powerfully. ‘Why, lassie,’ she hears him say, ‘you found your way home….’   

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See reviews of  THE  WOLF  AND  THE  LAMB on page 2

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  Read preview excerpt from THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS on page 3