The Oath

by Patricia M. Osborne

‘Playtime is over. Seventeen is old enough to wed and bear a child.’

Marry the baronet, or vulnerable parents face la prison des pauvres

France 1895 - Seventeen-year-old Françoise abandons her carefree life and sails for England to marry distant cousin Charles Dubois. On arrival she finds her groom aloof and evasive.

Draped in expensive silk brocade, she yearns for her homeland and comfortable gowns, and when she discovers the baronet’s clandestine visits, it is her cheery maid she turns to, her new confidante and friend.

BETRAYAL – HEARTBREAK – FRIENDSHIP

The A coming of age, historical fiction saga from the author of House of Grace family saga trilogy.

376 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2023

About the author

Patricia M Osborne is married with grown-up children and grandchildren. She was born in Liverpool but now lives in West Sussex. In 2019 she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing (University of Brighton).

Patricia writes novels, poetry and short fiction, and has been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her first poetry pamphlet ‘Taxus Baccata’ was published by Hedgehog Poetry Press in July 2020.

She has a successful blog at whitewings.com where she features other writers and poets. When Patricia isn’t working on her own writing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, acting as a mentor to fellow writers and as an online poetry tutor with Writers’ Bureau.

The Coal Miner’s Son is the second book in the House of Grace trilogy.

Reviews

[Elaine Fearnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading The Oath by Patricia M. Osborne late on Saturday night, and couldn’t stop reading it! I’d finished it by Sunday morning, and thoroughly enjoyed this captivating and highly enjoyable story. I connected with each of the beautifully written and well-rounded characters, loved the descriptive writing which made me feel as though I was actually there, watching the story unfold. Francoise is made to abandon her former life in France, and, aged 17, comes to England to marry a distant cousin, Charles Dubois, whom she has never met. A hundred years ago, two brothers, Henri and Willeme, who were ancestors of Francoise’ family, made an oath that has serious, life-changing repercussions for Francoise. There is no get-out clause, and so Francoise and her brother, Andre leave behind their life in France, and their parents and friends, to go to Highwood Hall to meet Charles and his somewhat intimidating mother, Elizabeth. There, Francoise is assigned a maid, Tilly, who helps her to cope in a strange environment.
The story is told by Francoise and Tilly, which I really liked, and is full of love, romance, heartbreak, sadness and tragedy. I must admit to having a bit of a crush on Andre - he really appealed to me!
I really loved this story, so much that I abandoned my massive TBR pile to read it, and I’m very glad that I did! Highly recommended

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really been wanting to read this author’s work, having heard great things, so when I saw she had a brand new book out, I decided The Oath would be a perfect choice. I absolutely loved this story. The word “unputdownable” is often exaggerated, but that’s truly how I felt. I read this in two days, taking time to absorb the story and all of the wonderful characters.

Taking place at the very end of the 19th century, this story centers around Françoise, who is forced/compelled into marrying her distant cousin, Charles, in England, because of a family oath made one-hundred years ago. And that’s all I want to say about the specifics of the story, because Osborne’s storytelling is superb, and I wouldn’t want to deprive potential readers of not experiencing the story for themselves.

I loved Françoise’s character because she was a strong-willed, yet vulnerable young woman. I loved how she was caught between what was deemed the right thing to do in the late 1890s vs. what she felt in her heart—even when she wasn’t sure what her heart was telling her.

The book alternates points of view between Françoise and Tilly, who becomes her best friend. The older women in the book, more “wed” to traditions of the time, often frustrated me as I’m sure they would’ve had I lived in those times. Osborne did a wonderful job of portraying the society and its norms, expectations, and hierarchy.

From page one, I was immediately invested in the characters. I cared about them and never stopped. A truly excellent book by a great author! Highly recommend!

[Anna Shenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d been looking forward to reading The Oath by Patricia Osborne as I have read previous novels from this author and found them all captivating stories. This one was quite different being in the late Victorian era which I found tempting. The steady paced start had me gripped with fine detail and tension for Francoise who is torn from her youthful teen years to become the wife of a distant cousin Charles Dubois to save her parents from poverty. Gosh, was she really expected to bare a child so soon. The Author envelopes you into this world with amazing talent and you won’t even notice being swept off your feet. I’m in awe with the exceptional flow in this wonderful world. As the story unfolds, a double plot enhances the story too keeping you engrossed. I’ve loved all the many characters, I felt like I was a character in this novel, sort of part of the family. If you like easy read Romance at its best this is a must read. Without giving too much away, I no doubt, will be reading The Oath over and over again. Treat yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

France 1895.
Her days running barefoot through cowslip are numbered.

Seventeen years old Francoise at Vuede Jadine, her papa and maman want to discuss her future.
Baronet Charles Dubois a distant cousin in England, the prince wants his princess, it's a oath from a hundred years ago that has to be kept, her brother Andre will accompany her for six months as their journey begins to Faverdham Highwood Hall the family and staff all welcome them with warmth, but where is Charles? its rude and unforgiveable that he wasn't at the station or the house to meet them.
As her new life ahead begins will it be a happy one for her.

I loved this beautiful enchanting story, Francoise is her own woman that never lets anyone use her, she has so much love to give, and I liked her strength as the years go by as she gets older and wiser,
A remarkable story right through that's full of wholesome goodness.
Loved it.

[Marie Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read and really enjoyed Patricia M Osborne's family saga trilogy, I was delighted to hear that she had a new book out.

The Oath is a beautifully crafted story of love, lies and betrayal. The storyline consists of the intertwined lives of the two main characters, Francoise and Tilly. The commitment made by Francoise to obey a hundred year old Oath is commendable. Tilly, from more humble beginnings, becomes a loyal friend to Francoise.

Separate chapters are narrated by Francoise and Tilly in which their individual perspective are revealed showing how their lives are changing. The way in which Patricia has interweaved her main characters shows the empathy that they have for each and is very engaging.

I would highly recommend that if you love reading historical romances this should be on your reading list of must have books.

[Dulce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling tale of family responsibility vs. a woman's happiness. We feel Françoise's pain as she goes through her life suddenly changing, by being forced to move from France to England to marry. There are many unexpected parts to this story which make you want to keep reading to know how François might achieve some happiness. If you enjoy historical fiction, then you will enjoy this book.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from my usual crime reading, this is a period drama set in the late nineteenth century with lots of well-researched detail, high levels of romance, and distinct echoes of Downton Abbey. Great fun and a relaxing change for my reading muscles. Highly recommended for readers of historical romances.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having to fulfil a 100yr oath Francoise leaves everything she’s known to fulfil this oath A period drama set in the 1900s beautifully written and a must read for Historical Fiction fans