Treason's Gift by Pamela Belle

Treason's Gift is a historical fiction novel set in 1686, where the lives of Alex St Barbe and Louise take a dramatic turn. Their marriage, once strong, is shattered by tragedy, leading Alex to seek solace in the taverns of Amsterdam while Louise abandons their home, Wintercombe, to their detested cousin Charles. The story unfolds against the backdrop of England's slide towards revolution, with Alex working for William of Orange, plotting the treason that could either reunite him with Louise and Wintercombe or lead him to his death. The novel delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and political intrigue, with the characters' personal struggles intertwined with the historical events of the time. The author's detailed portrayal of the era and the characters' emotional journeys make Treason's Gift a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the human condition.

Reviews

Amazon · 2025-12-05

great 4.50

The fourth and final book in the Wintercombe series is a great conclusion to an enjoyable historical fiction series. The story is well-told, and the characters are engaging, making it a recommended read for fans of the genre.

The reviewer highly recommended this book as the conclusion to the Wintercombe series. They found the story well-told and the characters engaging, making it a satisfying end to the series. The reviewer enjoyed the historical setting and the way the characters navigated the political and personal challenges they faced. The book was praised for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, making it a great read for fans of historical fiction. The reviewer noted that they would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great historical fiction.

Quick quotes

The fourth and final book in the Wintercombe series. I have very much enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys great historical fiction.

The story is well-told, and the characters are engaging, making it a satisfying end to the series.

The book was praised for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters.

Kirkus Reviews · 2025-12-05

engaging 3.00

The plot is filled with intrigue and royal progress, leading to a dramatic climax. The characters are well-crafted, and the narrative is engaging, but it can feel a bit rushed at times.

The reviewer appreciated the intricate plotting and the royal progress that drives the story forward. The characters were well-crafted, and their interactions added depth to the narrative. However, the reviewer noted that the story can feel a bit rushed, especially towards the climax. Despite this, the book was engaging and well-written, with a compelling narrative that kept the reader hooked. The reviewer enjoyed the historical setting and the way the characters navigated the political landscape.

Quick quotes

Much muttering of plots, a royal progress, until finally the wind stands fair for England, the couples pair off, and Charles blazes to his doom.

The characters are well-crafted, and their interactions add depth to the narrative.

The story can feel a bit rushed, especially towards the climax.

Misfit and Mom · 2009-07-23

interesting 3.50

The retelling of the revolution was a bit dry and more telling than showing, but still interesting for history enthusiasts. The characters and their relationships were well-developed, making the story engaging despite some slow parts.

The reviewer found the historical aspects of the book a bit dry, noting that the narrative sometimes relied too much on telling rather than showing. However, they appreciated the depth of the characters and their relationships, which added layers to the story. The reviewer enjoyed the historical context, especially as a history geek, and found the characters' interactions compelling. Despite some slow parts, the book was engaging and well-written, making it a good read for those interested in historical fiction.

Quick quotes

Some of the retelling of the revolution was a bit dry – there was more telling than showing, but still interesting for history geeks like me.

The characters and their relationships were well-developed, making the story engaging despite some slow parts.

I enjoyed the historical context and the way the characters interacted with each other.

Appears in Lists

English Civil War Books