Showing results by author "George Payne Rainsford James" in All Categories

Charles the Great, better know by his French name Charlemagne, is the most remarkable ruler of the early Medieval period. Grandson of Charles Martel, or Charles the Hammer, and Pepin the Short, he was greatest of the great Carolingian rulers of the Franks. His reign of nearly a half-century reversed the slide toward anarchy in the West and his sponsorship of learning helped maintain the spark of culture and learning through the later Dark Ages.

Set against the backdrop of the historic Battle of Agincourt in 1415, this captivating romance by James delves into a time of unexpected English triumph during the Hundred Years War. As failed negotiations intensify tensions, we meet the enigmatic Hal of Hadnock, who finds refuge with the noble Sir Philip Beauchamp while on a mysterious journey. There, he forges an unlikely friendship with the young Richard of Woodville, who harbors doubts about Hals true identity. As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue reveal Hals past and Richards deepening feelings for Mary, weaving a tale of love, ...

Step back into the tumultuous era of King Louis XIV of France, a time marked by deep religious strife. While his father, Louis XIII, attempted to stifle Calvinist teachings, his son chose a different path. Although Louis XIV was generally tolerant, the fervor within his court often led to the persecution of Protestant Huguenots. This is the gripping tale of Albert, Count of Morseiul—a Huguenot landowner navigating the delicate balance between his loyalty to the crown and his faith. Join us as we explore the complexities of friendship, faith, and survival in a divided France.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of England, the county of Kent is a prime hotspot for the smuggling trade. With its proximity to London—an eager market for contraband—and the English Channel just 21 miles from France, Kent has long been a haven for those who dabble in illicit activities. Unlike the rugged coast of Cornwall, where smugglers depended on shipwrecks brought on by treacherous weather or human error, the world of Kentish smuggling was dominated by affluent gentleman smugglers. These cunning individuals had the means to run legitimate import businesses but chose instead to ...

In the early light of a late August morning, two young men embark on a journey from London to the fictional village of Emberton. One is Captain Delaware, a naval officer freshly returned from a stint in Sicily, while the other, the enigmatic Burrell, initially strikes the observer as a dandy. Their conversation is minimal during the ride, but when Burrell disembarks at a quaint cottage, it becomes clear that he is headed to the estate of Captain Delawares reclusive father. Their paths are destined to intertwine through a web of deception, murder, exile, and love, revealing the complex ties ...

In Forgery, we delve into the life of Humphrey Scriven, a kind-hearted merchant left to raise his three daughters and a son after the loss of his wife. While two of his daughters find love and marriage, their happiness proves fleeting. The third daughter resists her fathers disapproval of her suitor, choosing to forge her own path. Meanwhile, Humphreys son, a source of disappointment due to his unkind nature, unexpectedly inherits the family business—except for a portion entrusted to the enigmatic clerk, Mr. Hayley. As secrets unravel, Mr. Hayleys true intentions come to light, leading to a ...

In a time when the future of a younger son was far less certain than that of his elder brother, Ralph Woodhall finds himself in a precarious position. As a scholar with dreams that soar beyond the conventional paths, Ralph is determined to carve out his own destiny and win the heart of his beloved, Margaret. When the couple consults an astrologer on a whim, they receive a message filled with hope despite the challenges that lie ahead, true happiness awaits them. With this prophecy in mind, Ralph embarks on a journey filled with adventure, trials, and the pursuit of love. - Summary by LynneT

Imagine a serene English village, complete with a charming inn on the green. A solitary patron savors his wine while playfully flirting with the innkeepers lovely daughter. Suddenly, their peaceful moment is shattered by a local aristocrat and his two thuggish companions. The next day, these same troublemakers return to disrupt the May Day festivities. Just when all seems lost, a band of men clad in Lincoln green appears to save the day. But who are they? This unique retelling of Robin Hood transports us to the era of Henry III, diverging from the traditional tales of Richard I. Join James as ...

In the heart of the wilderness, a man and his two teenage children seek a peaceful life on the frontier, embracing all who come their way. One fateful evening, a mysterious stranger arrives at their doorstep, asking for refuge. Though he carries an air of aristocracy and reveals little about himself, his presence stirs curiosity. Just as dinner concludes, a second man, familiar to both the host and the stranger, barges in seeking counsel. Unbeknownst to them, the choices made by one of these men will unleash tragedy and upheaval upon all gathered in that humble home. This gripping tale weaves ...

A young man named Ned embarks on a daring journey across the English Channel, destined for France. Though this isn’t his first trip, the stakes are high as he quickly finds himself in peril. Rescued and taken to the home of a local official, he is cared for by a doctor, the official himself, and his captivating ward. As it unfolds, we learn that Ned is a page to Lord Montagu, the trusted advisor to the Duke of Buckingham. What vital message does he carry, and how will he navigate the treacherous path to deliver it? His adventure intertwines with the notorious Richelieu, bringing him ...

Step into the captivating world of G.P.R. James, a historian and novelist who expertly blends real historical events with the imaginative tales of lesser-known characters. In this intriguing narrative set in seventeenth-century France, we follow the daring adventures of young Louis, the heir to the Count of Bigorre. After a fateful encounter with the vengeful Marquis de Saint Brie, Louis finds himself thrust into exile. His journey is fraught with excitement as he navigates young love, brushes with the law, cunning card sharks, and a life-threatening avalanche—all leading up to the climactic...

A mysterious knight journeys through the picturesque Kentish countryside when he stumbles upon a cottage where an elderly couple is being violently attacked. Rushing to their rescue, he soon encounters the enigmatic Sir Cesar, who warns him of impending danger. As our hero navigates a world filled with treachery and intrigue, he confronts a malevolent landowner, befriends the loyal Longpole—the son of the elderly couple—and crosses paths with the seemingly benevolent Duke of Buckingham, whose true loyalties remain in question. He also meets the flirtatious Lady Katrine and is reunited with...

Step back into the tumultuous era of the English Civil War in Jamess captivating historical novel, Arrah Neil. Though published nearly 40 years after his passing, this tale brings to life the struggles of Lord Walton and his sister Anne, staunch monarchists caught in the crossfire of Cromwells revolutionary forces. Amidst the chaos, we meet the enchanting Arrah Neil, the spirited granddaughter of a loyal retainer on their estate. Join us as we navigate loyalty, love, and the fight for power in a world turned upside down. - Summary by LynneT

Immerse yourself in this captivating fictionalized biography of Cardinal Richelieu, a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy. Based on a purportedly authentic manuscript from someone closely connected to the events, this three-volume narrative explores the life of one of Frances most powerful statesmen. Was Richelieu a brilliant strategist or a cunning villain? Perhaps he embodied both roles. Rising to prominence under the regency of Mary de Medici, he skillfully maneuvered to keep Louis XIII under his control. Renowned for his foreign policy, he also engaged in complex schemes to foster ...

Venture back to the dawn of the 17th century and unravel the captivating tale of Lady Arabella Stuart, an English noblewoman once tipped to succeed Elizabeth I. However, fate had other plans, and the crown passed on to her cousin, the infamous James I. Our narrative unfolds in 1603, just after Jamess claim to the throne. Initially, Arabella seemed content with the twist of fate, but her relationship with her cousin turned sour after her secret marriage, misinterpreted as a bid for power. Despite the support of her closest allies, she couldnt escape Jamess wrath. This vibrant, fictional ...

Dive into the era of the Hundred Years War, a tumultuous period from 1337 to 1453, where the Kingdoms of England and France clashed over the French throne. Amidst the political intrigue and deadly plots, emerges the story of Agnes Sorel. At the tender age of 20, Agnes ascends to become the favorite mistress of the King of France, her influence over him sparking envy and animosity. However, her life is cut short at 28, just days after delivering her fourth child, with dysentery being the official cause. In this captivating narrative, we shadow Jean Charost, secretary to the Duke of Orleans and ...

The Convict is a gripping historical novel about young Lord Hadley, who stumbles into a web of intrigue and secrets while traveling the English coast. When tragedy strikes, he is forced to confront the brutal realities of the penal system, political unrest, and forbidden love.