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N. N. Light
Jan 31, 20203 min read

Book Review | Yvonne, Lady of Cassio (Lovages of Cassio #1) by @writerinagarret #historical


Title: Yvonne, Lady of Cassio (Lovages of Cassio #1)

Author: Rosemary Morris

Genre: Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance


Book Blurb:

When Yvonne and Elizabeth, daughters of ruthless Simon Lovage, Earl of Cassio, are born under the same star to different mothers, no one could have foretold their lives would be irrevocably entangled.

Against the background of Edward II’s turbulent reign in the fourteenth century, Yvonne, Lady of Cassio, contains imaginary and historical characters.

It is said the past is a foreign country in which things were done differently. Nevertheless, although that is true of attitudes, such as those towards women and children, our ancestors were also prompted by ambition, anger, greed, jealousy, humanity, duty, loyalty, unselfishness and love.

From early childhood, despite those who love her and want to protect her, Yvonne is forced to face difficult economic, personal and political circumstances, during a long, often bitter struggle.


My Review:

Two women, Yvonne and Elizabeth, both sired by the same father yet one is noble-born and the other is peasant-born. Set during King Edward II’s reign, where Normans lord over the Saxons and women are treated as property, Yvonne, Lady of Cassio, must marry a man when she loves another. Duty prevents her from following her heart. But when tragedy strikes, she must find the strength and fortitude to survive.


Told in vivid descriptive narration, Rosemary Morris brings the strife and hardship of this era to life. The 14th century was a tumultuous time for many, including the nobility. Greed, power, corruption, and lust overran the population. Political jockeying was as commonplace as the evening meal. Women in this time period lived a very hard life, even the nobility. They were treated like no better than cattle and Rosemary Morris’ Yvonne, Lady of Cassio, showcases this eloquently. Historically accurate with plenty of drama to satisfy any historical fiction reader, this is a must-read. Fans of The Vikings will love this medieval tale.


Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.


My Rating: 4 stars


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Author Biography:

I write historical fiction, so I am fortunate to be only a 20 minute train journey from London, which offers so many possibilities for research about times past. So many things spark my imagination. During the last two years I took an open tour bus ride around London. Amongst the sky scrapers and modern buildings Old London can be discovered, including the street which J.K.Rowling used as a model for Diagon Alley in her Harry Potter series.

For as long as I can remember, I enjoyed studying history, reading historical non-fiction, historical fiction and its sub-genres. I enjoy novels in which the characters’ behaviour is appropriate for the era in which they lived.

The more I read the more fascinated I become, and the more aware of the gulf between historical periods and my own. Our ancestors shared the same emotions as we do, but their attitudes and way of life were different to ours. One of the most striking examples is the position of women and children in society in bygone ages.

I don’t think it is possible for a novelist to be 100% accurate about life in former ages. However, the characters in my novels are of their time, not ones dressed in costume who behave like 21st century women. Of course, it is almost impossible to completely understand our ancestors, but through extensive research I ensure my characters observe the social etiquette of their lives and times.

My previously published novels, set in the early 18th century and in the ever popular Regency era, and my previously unpublished historical fiction will be published by Books We Love as e-book editions and paper books.


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Reviewed by: Mrs. N


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