The Governor's Ladies

by Deryn Lake

The year is 1775 and the town of Boston, Massachusetts is seething with unrest, as the War of Independence is about to erupt. Having risen through the ranks to become a colonel, Thomas Gage has known many battles in his time. For years he believed he did not have the time or the inclination for romance…until he met and fell in love with the vivacious American Margaret Kemble, eventually winning her hand in marriage. Their years together are happy, and Thomas’ career flourishes as he becomes the British Governor of Massachusetts. But tensions erupt in the state and in the Governor’s mansion. Distracted by a young slave girl, Thomas seeks solace in teaching her the pleasures of reading and writing. But with conflict, heartbreak and death raging, threatening to engulf all involved, will true love and happiness prevail? A remarkable novel, The Governor’s Ladies explores the complexity of human nature amidst the turmoil of love, loss and revenge.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2005

About the author

Deryn Lake is a well-known historical novelist who joined the popular ranks of historical detective writers with her gripping John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Dark Walk, Death at the Devil's Tavern, Death on the Romney Marsh, Death in the Peerless Pool and Death at Apothecaries' Hall.

Deryn also writes popular historical romances including the acclaimed The King's Women, Sutton Place and Pour the Dark Wine.

Deryn Lake lives near Hastings, East Sussex

Reviews

[Janet Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

How refreshing to read from the British perspective about a war that was just dates to memorize in my history book, in my boston education. Now I understand the importance of...1 if by land, 2 if by sea. I found myself feeling sorry for Governor Gage even as I wanted his side to lose. I had a hard time believing he could leave his unborn half breed child when he said more than once how different Sara's life would have been had she had a proper upbringing. I wonder what his wife will say once she hears about the baby. If she does. And what about her chest pains. Or could she have been pregnant? So many unanswered questions. But still, a believable ending. First time reading this author. Won't be the last.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the for the Fourth of July. Didn't know much about Thomas Gage, other than he was a British general during the Revolutionary War. Not the best historical fiction of ever read, but certainly not the worse. One problem with this book, I read this on Kindle, but the editing was poorly done. Lots of typos, etc.

[Linda Cooper-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

One of the best books I've ever rea. The characters are so real so as to feel I was living their life with them. I remember from history class the names and players in the novel but nothing specific. I learned a great deal seeing this from an English man's perspective.

[Bluejay44 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I found this an interesting read, set in a place and period that was unfamiliar to me. And seeing life from the other side, American rather than English. Especially for those with torn loyalties.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa

[Ageliki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite all the horrific reviews for this book, I didnt think it was that bad! The King's Women, by Deryn Lake, by far is a much better book - but The Governor's Ladies isnt the worst book Ive ever read. I finished it, that's a start. I found the problem with this book is that it doesnt pick up pace, become interesting, and actually get going until about 200 pages in - which yes, takes it's toll. The first 200 pages are primarily based on detailing the few years before the American Independence War, and it's all very military based, quite manly and gruff, with only a few details of the main character, Tom Gage's personal life. After the first half of the book though, it does become very page-turning stuff. The plot begins to focus on the more personal elements of the Independence War, including relationships and family life, and how this effects both the British side, and the Americans. Dr Joseph Warren, who becomes the lover of Tom Gage's wife Margaret at this stage, was my favourite character of the whole book, and is involved heavily in the later part of it. Both Margaret and Joseph are key characters in the twist of the whole plot, which actually happened in real life - another fact I liked about this book, that it is fiction based on historical events, inclusive of real characters, times, dates and locations - rather than just a true period of history, with totally fictional characters.

Not a bad book all-in-all, give it a go!

[JackieB · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really surprised that Deryn Lake started this book with a prologue which revealed a critical event which happened late on in the book. I suspect it was intended to make the reader intrigued about how the situation arose but it just seemed to be a massive plot spoiler as far as I was concerned. Perhaps that should have given me the hint that this author and I were not going to be on the same wavelength as each other but it didn't. I found the book harder and harder going. The historical period it covered was interesting but the characters were not developed so I lost interest to a certain amount. it was only my interest in the historical setting which caused me to read to the end.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story based on the life of Governor General Thomas Gage and the night of April 18, 1775. What if the rebels' knowledge of redcoats marching to Lexington and Concord came from a source within the Governor's household? The story moves quickly and centers around the governor, his wife and another woman in his household, a young slave. It also focuses on Dr. Joseph Warren, a leader in the patriot movement. Well written and thoughtful, I found it to be a well paced, provoking and intriguing story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or the Revolutionary War period.

[Jilly Lind · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical fiction. Interesting period of American history but apart from that the plot was shamelessly trashy.