Mirella Sichirollo Patzer's Blog, page 15

Vintage Beauty

Hoyden of the Week - Too tight to bend!

Psst, hey you, yeah you! Fetch my shoes and help me put them on! 

The Harlot and the Spies! The story of Rahab!

 
Jericho was a town in decay. The inner and outer walls of the city were in such vast need of repair, they could no longer be considered adequate to protect the people who lived behind them. The richest of the folk lived near the center of the town surrounded by the inner wall. The poorest of the poor, the criminals, the sick, lived between the inner wall and the outer wall. This is where Rahab, a prostitute lived with her family and ran a decrepit little tavern, a rowdy inn patronized by rowdy, unscrupulous men. Such were the men who purchased Rahab's attention. 

One night, she noticed two strangers in her tavern. She suspected they were spies because they were asking a lot of odd questions about the city, its inhabitants, its layout. She guessed they were Hebrew tribesmen, spies sent into the town to gather information before an imminent attack. 

When word arrived that soldiers were hunting the two men, Rahab hid them on the roof of her house under bundles of flax. Although Rahab told the soldiers she had seen the two men run into the darkness after leaving her tavern, the soldiers searched, but failed to find the two hidden men.
As soon as they were gone, Rahab went up to the roof and spoke with the two men. She revealed her interest in learning more about their God and their Hebrew leader, Joshua. She made it clear that by saving their lives, she had put her life and that of her family at great risk. "You owe me and my family a great debt," she said. This, the men could not deny. She made them promise that when the Hebrew attack began, their army would not harm her or her family and would give them safe passage out of the city. They agreed - all she had to do was leave a red cord hanging from the window she helped the two men escape from. In this way, all the Hebrew soldiers would know to spare them from the slaughter. The two men returned to their camp and relayed all that had transpired to Joshua, who agreed to Rahab's terms.

Several days later the brutal attack upon the city of Jericho began, and it was everything that Rahab feared it would be.  

The decrepit city walls tumbled, people scurried about in terror, and the slaughter began. No human or animal escaped the blood lust, except for Rahab and her family. The red cord that hung from her window saved their lives. Rahab and her family safely entered the Hebrew camp. Rahab remained, living among them, and converted to the Hebrew religion and became a loyal follower of God. 
Author Jill Eileen Smith has written a novel of Rahab's remarkable survival and faith entitled The Crimson Cord. Well written, evocative, and heart-wrenching, she portrays Rahab as remarkably resourceful, savvy, and kind-hearted. If you love ancient history, Jill Eileen Smith has added to her repretoire of biblical women with this fascinating new addition. Highly recommended. 
The breathtaking story of the prostitute who risked everything to protect two Israelite spies before the battle of Jericho.
Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.
In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.
Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.
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Scandal, Defiance, Danger! Lady Penelope Devereux Rich Blount

Penelope Devereux
One of the great beauties of her day, Penelope Devereux was no shrinking violet. She was impulsive, tenacious, and was unafraid to scheme and plot and flirt with danger with the best! Soon, she became an attendant at the queen's court. Once there, she was noticed by many because of her lovely singing voice and her dancing skills. Her blonde hair and beautiful eyes also helped her gain notice and popularity.  Her father, the Earl of Essex knew he was dying and he was eager to tie up any loose ends, so to speak. One of those loose ends was to see his daughter, Penelope, well married and taken care of before he died.  
Penelope's Father
Walter Devereux
1st Earl of Essex

From his deathbed, Walter Devereux sent a letter to Philip Sidney, asking him to marry Penelope.



Sir Philip SidneyPoet and Composer 
Sidney wrote several sonnets about a woman named "Stella" said to be inspired by the lovely Penelope. In the 16th century, however, everything depended on inheritance, and possibly to preserve a future inheritance, Sidney broke off the betrothal. 
Soon another marriage was arranged for her. This time, to a man named Robert Rich, 3rd Baron Rich. he was young and eligible and had just succeeded to his title and considerable property. The match was a veritable disaster. He was a most unpleasant man, foul, vindictive, and with a nasty temper. Penelope Devereaux was forced to marry him. This was in spite of stamping her feet and refusing in the ceremony and having to be taken into the vestry by her uncle and persuaded by the threat that she would be turned penniless out into the street if she didn't. Ultimately, she was left no choice and lost the battle and became the Lady Rich. 
Trapped in an unhappy, loveless marriage, Penelope fell in love with Charles Blount, the 8th Baron Mountjoy and they began a secret affair. 

Sir Charles Blount8th Baron Mountjoy
Penelope even bore Charles' children. But secrets are hard to keep and Lord Rich soon learned of his wife's betrayal. He couldn't do a thing about it, however, because of Penelope's brother Robert, the 2nd Earl of Essex, was a favourite of the queen.


Penelope's BrotherRobert Devereux2nd Earl of Essex
Robert was involved in many a devious plot, which tainted Penelope by association. After his rebellion failed, he denounced Penelope as a traitor. He was later exectuted for treason. This is when her husband, Lord Rich made his move against her. He cast Penelope and her children by Mountjoy out! It was easy enough to do especially since Mountjoy was implicated in the Essex rebellion too. The queen intervened and granted them clemency. 

With nothing holding her back, Lady Penelope Rich now moved in with Mountjoy. They no longer hid their affair. In fact, Penelope remained in the queen's favor, become a Lady of the Bedchamber. Mountjoy became the Earl of Devonshire. Tired of his wayward wife, Rich sued for a divorce. Instead of contesting the divorce, Penelope welcomed it. There was nothing she wanted more than to marry Blount and legitimize their children. She publicly admitted to adultery and the divorce was granted. Sadly, her requests to remarry and legitimise her children were refused.

Ever defiant, and contrary to canon law, Penelope and Blount ignored the decree. They were secretly married by Chaplain William Laud who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury.  Disgraced, the couple were banished by King James. They continued to live together as husband and wife with their children until their deaths. 

Penelope Devereux's life has been recreated in a stunning new novel by Elizabeth Freemantle entitled Watch The Lady. It is comprehensive in detail and richly portrayed, bringing successfully to life, this fascinating woman. The novel is full of shocking events, scandalous happenings, treachery, power struggles, and ultimate betrayal. Plenty of machinations to keep the pages turning. A wonderful story that strives for historical accuracy!
"The wax sizzles as it drips, releasing an acrid whiff. Penelope presses in her seal, twisting it slightly to make it unreadable, wondering if it - this letter - is folly, if it could be construed as treason were it to fall into the wrong hands." Opening Paragraph

From “a brilliant new player in the court of royal fiction” (People), comes the mesmerizing story of Lady Penelope Devereux—the daring young beauty in the Tudor court, who inspired Sir Philip Sidney’s famous sonnets even while she plotted against Queen Elizabeth.Penelope Devereux arrives at Queen Elizabeth’s court where she and her brother, the Earl of Essex, are drawn into the aging Queen’s favor. Young and naïve, Penelope, though promised elsewhere, falls in love with Philip Sidney who pours his heartbreak into the now classic sonnet series Astrophil and Stella. But Penelope is soon married off to a man who loathes her. Never fainthearted, she chooses her moment and strikes a deal with her husband: after she gives birth to two sons, she will be free to live as she chooses, with whom she chooses. But she is to discover that the course of true love is never smooth.

Meanwhile Robert Cecil, ever loyal to Elizabeth, has his eye on Penelope and her brother. Although it seems the Earl of Essex can do no wrong in the eyes of the Queen, as his influence grows, so his enemies gather. Penelope must draw on all her political savvy to save her brother from his own ballooning ambition and Cecil’s trap, while daring to plan for an event it is treason even to think about.

Unfolding over the course of two decades and told from the perspectives of Penelope and her greatest enemy, the devious politician Cecil, Watch the Lady chronicles the last gasps of Elizabeth’s reign, and the deadly scramble for power in a dying dynasty.
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Vintage Beauty

Joan of Arc - The Maid of Orleans

"I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, 
or to be against God's will."
"You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; 
but take good heed not to judge me ill, 
because you would put yourself in great peril."
"Get up tomorrow early in the morning, 
and earlier than you did today, and do the best that you can."
"Always stay near me, 
for tomorrow I will have much to do and more than I ever had, and tomorrow blood will leave my body above the breast."
 "Act, and God will act."
"I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God 
to help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid."
 One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, 
that is a fate more terrible than dying."
 If I am not, may God put me there; 
and if I am, may God so keep me."
"Children say that people are hung sometimes for speaking the truth." 
Joan of Arc
The legend of Joan of Arc has endured through the centuries. How a young fourteen year old girl could overcome the social biases over her gender and not only gain the ear of the king, but lead an entire army (of men) in battle still astounds the world! Yup, it's hard to believe, but Joan of Arc accomplished every bit of it!
From the tender age of thirteen, she heard voices from Heaven that clearly assured her that she had been chosen to convince King Charles VII, who lacked confidence, that he could oust the English from the city of Orleans with her help. Not only was she to gain the King's confidence, but she was the one to lead the battle. 
Joan took the voices to heart. First, she gained the attention of the women in the King's court. Then she gained an audience with the king himself, and managed to convince him that she, a teenage girl, a virgin no less, untouched by man or the world, could free Orleans as long as he provided her with battle gear and an army.

"I am not afraid... I was born to do this," she said to the king.

And this she proved! Not only did she free Orleans, but the English fled back to their homeland. As a reward, she asked that her home town of Domremy pay no taxes. The king granted her this wish and for centuries thereafter, the town was tax-free.
Encouraged, the king wanted more from Joan. He wanted her to seize Paris from the English too. But this was not part of God's plan. The voices from Heaven were silent. As a result, Joan's army failed, and poor Joan was captured. And what did King Charles do on her behalf after she had come to his rescue when he needed her? Absolutely nothing! He deserted Joan in her hour of need. 
The English accused Joan of witchcraft and heresy and put her on trial. The evidence? Well, she wore men's clothing and armor! While imprisoned, she suffered horrendous abuse. 
They found her guilty and sentenced her to burn at the stake. The young Joan faced her death with courage, grace, and great dignity.

Twenty years later, the English king overturned the verdict and made amends to her family by granting them pensions and honoring them in numerous ways.

Five hundred years after her death, the Vatican canonized her as a saint.

Numerous movies and books have been created commenorating this courageous woman's life. She stands as a model of bravery, perseverence, and faith for all women to this very day. She continues to movitate and live in our hearts.

Helen Castor has now taken her turn at writing about this amazing young woman. She has written a comprehensive, believable, and vibrant novel, about Joan including insight into her doubts, her fears, her convictions, and her great love for her family. One of the best books I've read about this famous historical woman.

"It was the day of victory. First light dragged, cold and sodden, over a camp of exhausted men. Exhausted from unpredictable weeks of forced march, parrying the enemy's manoeuvres along the banks of the river Somme, or moving at speed to this urgent rendezvoux. Exhausted from a fear-filled day with the enemy in sight, waiting for a battle that had not come beore sundown. Exhauted, now, from a wet night bivouacked in the fields, or billeted nearby with the terrified villagers of Tramecourt and Azincourt. Exhausted, but expectant." Opening Paragraph.


From the author of the acclaimed She-Wolves, the complex, surprising, and engaging story of one of the most remarkable women of the medieval world—as never told before. Helen Castor tells afresh the gripping story of the peasant girl from Domremy who hears voices from God, leads the French army to victory, is burned at the stake for heresy, and eventually becomes a saint. But unlike the traditional narrative, a story already shaped by the knowledge of what Joan would become and told in hindsight, Castor’s Joan of Arc: A History takes us back to fifteenth century France and tells the story forwards. Instead of an icon, she gives us a living, breathing woman confronting the challenges of faith and doubt, a roaring girl who, in fighting the English, was also taking sides in a bloody civil war. We meet this extraordinary girl amid the tumultuous events of her extraordinary world where no one—not Joan herself, nor the people around her—princes, bishops, soldiers, or peasants—knew what would happen next. Adding complexity, depth, and fresh insight into Joan’s life, and placing her actions in the context of the larger political and religious conflicts of fifteenth century France, Joan of Arc: A History is history at its finest and a surprising new portrait of this remarkable woman. Joan of Arc: A History features an 8-page color insert.

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To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

"Steady, girl," Maggie whispered, peering down from the bluff, leather reins held taut. The thrum of spectators on the field below rose on the cool morning breeze, and she leaned forward to stroke the thoroughbred's neck." Opening Paragraph


Synopsis:  A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance--and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder--Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail--Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Review by Mirella PatzerHistorical Novel Review
This was the first Tamera Alexander book I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In this novel, she takes readers to the American South where horse breeding and horse racing is a major part of the culture. The characters are brilliantly portrayed. As a horse afficionado and having owned several show horses, I loved the connection with these beautiful creatures.

The plot is strong and multi-layered. There was plenty going on to keep me engrossed and turning the pages. I especially enjoyed the main characters, Cullen McGrath and Maggie Linden, who are people of high moral fibre with strong beliefs. I enjoyed how these characters grew closer together as the story progressed. The author's writing is so seamless yet detailed that it is easily envisioned in one's mind. Definitely talented, Tamera Alexander knows how to spin a good yarn, one the captivates, while putting the main characters through conflict. Discrimination and prejudice are also minor themes tackled in this book. It is a book that warms the heart, solidifies our personal convictions, and definitely entertains. Highly recommended! I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
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Opal "Mack Truck" Long

Opal Long didn't earn the nickname "Mack Truck" for nothing, but I'll bet no one called her that to her face. She was a big, strong gal. 
Not only was she a prolific shoplifter, she hung out with the Dillinger gang - part of the group because of her husband, Russell Clark. 
She kept house and cooked for the gang - just like any quiet homemaker would do. In reality, she was far from quiet and obedient. When the police showed up to arrest she attacked them. Later, she was arrested herself. 
Opal Long may have been a lot of things, but she wasn't a rat. Not a word did she tell the cops about the activities of the notorious Dillinger Gang!  

Katherine Willoughby - Henry VIII's Last Love by David Baldwin

Katherine WilloughbyKatherine Willoughby grew up in the Tudor court where her mother, Maria de Salinas, was a lady-in-waiting for Queen Catherine of Aragon and her father, Baron William Willoughby de Eresby, served the king.

When her father suddenly fell ill and died, as the only heir, Katherine inherited all his titles and holdings. She was only seven and became an incredibly wealthy young heiress. In fact, she became one of the wealthiest heiress' in all of England.

Of course, with so much wealth at hand, disputes arose. Namely, her father’s brother, Sir Christopher Willoughby argued that the holdings could pass to only male heirs and accused Katherine’s mother of concealing important papers that established the title to various estates, and of having kept him out of possession of estates that rightfully belonged to him.
While disputes raged, King Henry VIII stepped up and made Katherine his ward. That is, until he decided to sell her wardship to his best friend and brother-in-law, Charles Brandon, the 1st Duke of Suffolk.
Charles Brandon
1st Duke of Suffolk 
As her new guardian, and now formally in possession of Katherine’s titles and wealth, Suffolk immediately took action to put an end to the bitter quarreling and constant interference by Christopher Willoughby. Suffolk wrote a letter to the all powerful Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey vociferously threw his support behind Suffolk and Katherine’s uncle backed off. For a while, at least.

To secure Katherine’s wealth even further, Suffolk betrothed the young Catherine to his ten year old son, Henry Brandon, 1st Earl of Lincoln, who was his son by his third wife, Mary Tudor.

When his wife Mary died, however, Suffolk became interested in Katherine for himself. And why not? After all, there was much wealth at stake. So, he cancelled the betrothal he had previously arranged between Katherine and his son, and he married her instead. He was forty-nine and Katherine was fourteen.
All the while, the dispute over Catherine’s inheritance raged. Suffolk forced Katherine’s Uncle Christopher to relinquish possession of some of the contested estates, and thus he became the greatest magnate in all of Lincolnshire.
Katherine bore her husband two sons, Henry and Charles. She was very intelligent with a passion for education. Outspoken and witty, she supported English Reformation and became a close friend of Queen Catherine Parr. King Henry took a great interest in her. When Suffolk died, King Henry VIII was seriously considering making her his seventh wife because Queen Catherine Parr had yet to produce an heir. Fortunate for Katherine, that never happened, and King Henry VIII was destined to have only six wives!

The details of her life and her relationship with King Henry VIII is documented in a newly released book. The book is well researched and provides wonderful insight into this fascinating woman's life.

Synopsis:

1533 Katherine Willoughby married Charles Brandon, Henry VIII’s closest friend. She would go on to serve at the court of every Tudor monarch bar Henry VII and Mary Tudor. Duchess of Suffolk at the age of fourteen, she became a powerful woman ruling over her houses at Grimsthorpe and Tattershall in Lincolnshire and wielding subtle influence through her proximity to the king.

She grew to know Henry well and in 1538, only three months after Jane Seymour’s death, it was reported that they had been ‘masking and visiting’ together. In 1543 she became a lady-in-waiting to his sixth wife Catherine Parr. Henry had a reputation for tiring of his wives once the excitement of the pursuit was over, and in February 1546, only six months after Charles Brandon’s death, it was rumoured that Henry intended to wed Katherine himself if he could end his present marriage. But Henry changed his mind at the last moment, and Katherine Willoughby never became his seventh queen.

Hers was a life of privilege mixed with tragedy and danger, losing both her sons to illness and being forced into exile in Poland beyond 'Bloody' Mary's clutches. But Katherine kept her head on her shoulders when many of her contemporaries lost theirs for lesser reasons. 

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Eve: The first woman and Eve in the Beginning by HB Moore

Eve can be accredited with many firsts: the first woman, the first wife, the first sinner, the first mother. 
Created from Adam's rib to be his partner and help populate the world, Eve was curious and naieve. When the devil appears in the form of a serpent and he tempts her to eat from the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge so that it would improve her and that she would not die, she ultimately succumbs.
And for that, according to the Bible, Eve and all women after her are sentenced to suffer pain in childbirth, be subservient to husbands, and have many sorrows. And for centuries thereafter, it is true, women have always struggled.
But what makes Eve unique and important in Biblical history, is that although she was said to be created from man, she was the creator of all women and men born after her. 
Through her, we learned powerful lessons - to be strong, to seek wisdom, to ponder before making decisions, to be good mothers and wives, to make mistakes and recover from them.

Author H.B. Moore has re-imagined this Biblical tale and written a novel of her interpretation based on much research entitled, EVE IN THE BEGINNING.

""We can't live like this forever," I say. "Yes we can." Adam's fingertips brush my bare arm. We are lying on our backs, looking up at the golden-green leaves that filter just enough of the sun's rays to make the air only a warm, fragrant whisper around us. A quiet afternoon in our unending days of tranquility." Opening paragraph

Synopsis:

The first love story on earth . . . Haunting . . . Lyrical . . . Unforgettable . . . In a world where everything is perfect, yet the same day after day, Eve must decide if she wants to live forever in the garden with Adam and never know what lies beyond the walls. When she makes a choice with terrible consequences, the pain of mortality is swift. As she and Adam explore their new world, and her body changes, Eve discovers the sweetness of first love with the man who has always been at her side. 
Review by Mirella Patzer and History and Women

Author H.B. Moore is best known for her stories of Biblical women. This time, she has tackled the story of Eve, the world's first mother. The story opens with Adam and Eve in the idyllic surroundings of the garden of Eden. The tree of knowledge exists nearby, but Adam is adamant that they must never eat of the fruit. From that point on, Lucifer appears in human form and tempts Eve which results in her and Adam being evicted from the garden. Outside, they struggle with life including a miscarriage, a horrific storm, and the daily struggle to survive. The story is written in first person narrative. Eve is curious about the world around her, but she is also a bit naieve. Of the two, Adam is the stronger, not only physically, but also faithfully. And of course, Luther makes his appearance as their main villain throughout the story.
This is a lovely imagining of this most important biblical woman. The author writes succinctly and simply, making it easy for all levels and ages of readers to enjoy. Well plotted, and interesting throughout, I found this a nice tale to relax with, yet with enough depth to make me ponder some more profound topics such as trust, love, fear, and faith.

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