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There are currently 27 member reviews
for Accidents of Providence
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Mary S. (Pinson, AL)
Wonderful Novel
Stacia Brown has written a great first novel. I stayed up until 2 in the morning to finish this book. It is that good. I am big historical fiction reader, but was not aware of the law of 1624 targeting unwed mothers who concealed the death of their illegitimate babies making the mothers guilty of murder. The story was so interesting and I will not forget Brown's character, Rachel Lockyer for a long time.
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Jacquelyn H. (Blanco, TX)
MORE PLEASE!
From England in 1649, King Charles beheaded, Cromwell in charge, harsh times for women, comes a story of illicit love and an out of wedlock birth. This impressive first novel is masterfully written to give the reader the full impact of emotions during twists of plot in an historically accurate setting. A high interest story, the novel is packed with substance and surprise. Stacia Brown, more please!
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Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
Accidents of Providence
I love this book. Couldn't put it down. The story is set in England during an era of religious strife. I know very little about the Puritan time, but I felt the author took me back to this period and helped me understand how far we have come in civilization.
The cast of characters were believable and fascinating. The ending was a surprise. I didn't expect it.
Great read!
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Sandra S. (Charlotte, NC)
Good, enjoyable historical.
Loved the characters. The historical setting was real and the tension grew with the pages, as is appropriate. Would definitely recommend this book to others.
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Margaret O. (Bonita Springs, FL)
Accidents of Providence
The setting for the story of Rachel Lockyer and her dead child is England in the mid 17th century where life for the masses is fraught with hardship. The author provides a detailed picture and historical context that draws you into the lives of both the women of the period and the Levelers, a democratic political action group who emphasized popular sovereignty, extended suffrage, equality before the law and religious tolerance. In the course of the trial all of these themes come into focus as Rachel’s love affair is with a leader of the ‘leveling’ movement.
Stacia Brown’s book acquainted me with a period in history with which I was not familiar as I saw it through the eyes of Rachel during the course of her ordeal.
This was an informative and captivating book for me and I found the relationships among the women of special interest.
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Kathleen W. (New Brighton,, MN)
"Everyone loved a good hanging day"
Welcome to London, circa 1649. Smell the squalor of Newgate prison. Investigate the relationship between hangman and accused on the way to Tyburn hanging tree. Look over YOUR shoulder in the midst of religious intolerance in the time of Oliver Cromwell. Stacia Brown (Accidents of Providence) weaves a darn good tale involving a romance/mystery plot but most importantly, her descriptive ability is wonderfully evocative of this time in British history. After finishing reading (and wanting to take a shower?) pose to yourself the question asked of you by the author, "What is it that love requires of each of us?" My only disappointment with the book was that there was no attempt to replicate the vernacular of the 17th century British citizens in this novel. Surely this is a shame considering how admirably Brown succeeds on every other level. No matter...Read it!
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Penny P. (Santa barbara, Calif)
A Good Read
I enjoy reading historical novels and thoroughly enjoyed this one. I remember loving The Dress Lodger and Perfume and would put this book in the same category. The history seemed quite accurate. The political times and the belief of the Puritans were covered, as well a the place of women in that society. This is both a love story and a crime novel so I think anyone who either, would enjoy this novel. The character development was quite good and the writing was descriptive and easy to read. The book isn't very long and can be read pretty quickly making it a great vacation read.
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