London in Chains: An English Civil War Novel
Bradshaw's latest historical romance is set during the English Civil War in the mid-seventeenth century. Lucy Wentnor has fled her father's home after being raped by soldiers and then rejected by her fiancé. Arriving in London, she throws herself on the mercy of her aunt and uncle. Although her uncle is sympathetic, her aunt is the opposite. So when Lucy is offered the chance to help out in a print shop, she takes it, eager to escape her aunt. She soon learns that the printing press is unlicensed and what is being printed is considered seditious (reports on plots against the exiled king Charles, tirades against Parliament, and diatribes against the corrupt army). But Lucy is undaunted. Then the print-shop owner is arrested, and Lucy must run things single-handedly. Bolstered by her newfound independence and self-confidence, she falls in love. But disaster strikes. Is Lucy strong enough to overcome this latest obstacle? An enjoyable historical romance featuring vivid characters, a lively and entertaining plot, authentic period details, the excitement and tragedy of war, and a heartwarming ending. Recommended for all collections.  --Booklist, 1st October 2009