Release Date: 03/02/11SYNOPSIS:
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of a much-loved bestseller, this new edition of Lady of Hay brings Barbara Erskine's eerie, atmospheric and utterly compelling story to a new generation. Lady of Hay has sold over three million copies.
In London, high-flying journalist Jo Clifford is planning to debunk past-life regression in a hard-hitting magazine piece. But her scepticism is shaken when she undergoes hypnosis and finds herself reliving the experiences of Matilda, Lady of Hay, a noblewoman during the reign of King John.
As she learns of Matilda's unhappy marriage, her love for the handsome Richard de Clare and the brutal threats of death at the hands of King John, it becomes clear that Jo's past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, eight hundred years on, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again…
REVIEW:
Having heard the name but not having read any of her work, I was pleasantly surprised when this, the 25th Anniversary of Barbara’s first book landed. It was an opportunity to try an author that others have raved about as well as a chance to see what so many had fallen in love with, after all for a book to last for over 25 years in print there has to be something there.
What unfurls within is a complex plot, some wonderful twists and characters that the reader can really get behind. Whilst there were a few little errors, readers fail to remember that this was the authors first book so a lot of the mistakes can be glossed over and whilst it could appear a little dated now, the overall skill and talent is something that was a pure joy to read. Back that up with some great prose, some delicious dialogue interwoven with intrigue, romance and plot and you know that it was something special. A real pleasure to enjoy.
Release Date: 03/02/11SYNOPSIS:
Barbara Erskine returns with this beautiful and haunting tale of dark forces and mystical powers. In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history, dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge. With foreboding forces building up to violence, Abi must battle the approaching terror along with her own personal demons, drawing upon the expertise of Druidry and shamanism from a questionable source!
REVIEW:
Whilst I may have skipped ahead having just read Barbara’s first novel, I was keen to see how she had developed as a writer so jumped in on the latest release, Time’s Legacy which is Barbara’s Eleventh full length title. What unfurl within are, from what other fans I’ve spoken to have said, typical Erskine trademarks of lovingly crafted characters, solid plotlines and above all else a well-tuned sense of pace that works beautifully with the authors style.
Add to this great timing, some intriguing concepts and dialogue which when backed with time travel and dual plotlines which made this a book that was a sheer delight to read and one to recommend to fans of Diana Gabaldon (although let’s face it you probably already know about her work if you’re reading this.) Finally, add to the mix a wonderful sense of fulfilment upon completion and you may well feel that it’s a going to be a long wait for the next title by Barbara.
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