Reviews

The Heart of the Rebellion by Sian Ann Bessey

katiemayveil's review against another edition

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5.0

The Heart of the Rebellion takes place in Wales after the death of King Richard. King Henry is now on the throne and he is against anything that helps the Welsh people. After serving King Richard for three years, the Tudor brothers are returning home to find the island of Anglesey and the people there changed. The people are fearful and tired of being taxed by a king who doesn't care for them. The Tudor brothers and their cousin, the Black Prince of Wales, fight to free their country from English rule and along the way find an unlikely accomplice in the daughter of the local constable.
Catrin is shocked to learn that her father has agreed to a marriage proposal from the Duke of Bedford, an older gentleman who is ruthless and eager for an heir. Catrin has resigned herself to her fate and strives to find solace in her daily rides on her horse Seren. After meeting Rhys ap Tudor, she realizes that she has distanced herself from the people of Anglesey and not lived up to what her mother would wish for her. She starts interacting with the locals more and defending Wales to the Duke.
Sian Ann Bessey has done it again with another riveting historical fiction novel that will enthrall readers and make them want to learn more. The Heart of the Rebellion is based loosely on fact, Sian Ann Bessey does a brilliant job of painting a vivid picture for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this title and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, Wales, horses or romance.

thebookscript's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a great light read to start up my year. I really enjoyed For Castle and Crown from Bessey last year and this one also did not disappoint. If you like historical fiction and medieval type books then you'll enjoy this one. The romantic tension was perfect. I love when two people who aren’t supposed to be together can’t deny their feelings. I liked the whole battle aspect as well which is pretty unique for a proper romance. I enjoyed the book, the characters and the overall plot. Great read!

bethanyyoung86's review against another edition

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3.0


I received this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 3.5/5

I really enjoy historical fiction, especially books featuring events little known to the rest of us and our history books. This book was great in details about battles I’ve never heard of but that were still vitally important to Welsh and English history in the Middle Ages. It was well researched and made me want to dig into more learning after I was finished. I liked the characterization of Rhys, Maredudd and Catrin and the humour mixed into the book and their motivations. It was well written and a fast paced read.

lawnchairbookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

Sian Bessey has done it again. She has given us such a beautiful story set in medieval North Wales! She does such a fantastic job of making history come to life. Memorable setting, characters and plot! If you enjoy historical fiction you will love this book.

bookgirl_71's review

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.5

ghumpherys's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this medieval historical story! So interesting to read and a sweet romance too.

jamiegc's review against another edition

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4.0

The audiobook was excellent. I loved the Welsh accents.

This is a historical fiction, with just a sprinkling of romance. If you are not interested in the history of Wales, you may not enjoy it as much, but I was immediately drawn into the story. This was researched very well and the descriptions of the land make me want to visit Wales someday.

This book tells the story of Rhys ap Tudor, with some poetical license. He had just finished

I was drawn to this book when I saw the Tudor name, as I have recently been reading a book about the War of the Roses. I have been able to finally understand how Henry Tudor (Henry VII) was able to have some tiny, minuscule claim to the English throne.

bethanyyoung's review

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3.0


I received this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 3.5/5

I really enjoy historical fiction, especially books featuring events little known to the rest of us and our history books. This book was great in details about battles I’ve never heard of but that were still vitally important to Welsh and English history in the Middle Ages. It was well researched and made me want to dig into more learning after I was finished. I liked the characterization of Rhys, Maredudd and Catrin and the humour mixed into the book and their motivations. It was well written and a fast paced read.

arrow_reads's review

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5.0

Beautiful! I absolutely loved traveling back to the Middle Ages to the scenic setting of Whales! There are characters both real and fictional in the the tale of Welsh fighting for their rights against the English king. It is like a coming age story for Lady Catrin where she learns to fight for her believes and heart. The romance is heart warming. I didn’t want the story to end!
Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications.
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