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The Southwark Saga #3
The Long Way Home
After saving the life of the glamorous Marquise de Harfleur, painfully shy barmaid Alice Henshawe is employed as the lady’s companion and whisked away to Versailles. There, she catches King Louis’ eye and quickly becomes a court favorite as the muse for Charles Perrault’s Cinderella. The palace appears to be heaven itself, but there is danger hidden beneath the façade and Alice soon finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, murder, and Satanism at the heart of the French court.
Having left his apprenticeship to serve King Charles as a spy, Jack Sharpe is given a mission that may just kill him. In the midst of the Franco-Dutch war, he is to investigate rumors of a poison plot by posing as a courtier, but he has a mission of his own. His childhood friend Alice Henshawe is missing and he will stop at nothing to see her safe. When he finds her in the company of the very people he is meant to be investigating, Jack begins to wonder if the sweet girl he grew up with has a dark side.
When a careless lie finds them accidentally married, Alice and Jack must rely on one another to survive the intrigues of the court. As old affection gives way to new passion, suspicion lingers. Can they trust each other, or is the real danger closer than they suspect?
Having left his apprenticeship to serve King Charles as a spy, Jack Sharpe is given a mission that may just kill him. In the midst of the Franco-Dutch war, he is to investigate rumors of a poison plot by posing as a courtier, but he has a mission of his own. His childhood friend Alice Henshawe is missing and he will stop at nothing to see her safe. When he finds her in the company of the very people he is meant to be investigating, Jack begins to wonder if the sweet girl he grew up with has a dark side.
When a careless lie finds them accidentally married, Alice and Jack must rely on one another to survive the intrigues of the court. As old affection gives way to new passion, suspicion lingers. Can they trust each other, or is the real danger closer than they suspect?
344 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2018
5 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Cale
21 books181 followersJessica Cale is an award-winning author, public historian, and journalist. Originally from Minnesota, she earned her BA in History and MFA in Creative and Media Writing at Swansea University in Wales, while working as a freelance contributor to BBC History Magazine. She has volunteered as a sex-education teacher for Planned Parenthood, and she brings the history of sex to a broader audience as the host of the Dirty Sexy History podcast and editor of the Dirty Sexy History blog. She has appeared as an on-camera historian on Netflix’s hit docudrama, The Lost Pirate Kingdom. Jessica is passionate about women’s social and medical history, focusing on the history of sex, contraception, drugs, and cosmetics
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 1, 2016
Great books allow one to dream...to escape from reality...for a few hours. This book transported me... mind, body, and soul... and left me savoring my time away even hours after I put down the book.
I felt like I was there, in the Palace of Versailles in 1677 France, seeing the sights with my own eyes, hearing the sounds with my own ears, even smelling the smells... (which wasn't necessarily a good thing considering the time...lol).
I felt with Alice Henshawe, the heroine, and for her... I was frightened for her, happy for her, and in love with her and Jack, the love of her life.
Equal parts historical fiction and historical romance, The Long Way Home offered me a fascinating glimpse into the life, intrigue, and scandal that could be found in the court of King Louis XIV in 1677 France. Jessica Cale expertly wove historical facts and customs into the narrative without detracting from the plot... and all of it was fascinating. No skimming paragraphs in this novel!
As for the romance... this was one of those slow burning, gentle rain romances that make one sigh in the end. The two main characters, Alice and Jack, have known each other since they were 12 and 14. In this story, they are now adults who hadn't seen each other for five years. Jessica Cale breaks one of the common rules of modern romance by delaying the characters 'meeting' until Chapter 11...
...But rather than feel deprived of the characters' time together on the page, Ms. Cale expertly uses her superior skills as an author to build the tension to the point that you are squirming and dying with anticipation for that moment to happen. As a reader, I devoured every page, my anxiety almost palpable as I waited for that perfect moment... the moment they lay eyes on each other for the first time in five years. And it was, indeed, quite perfect.
Then there was the anxiety brought on by Alice's kindness and innocence as she attempts to navigate the evil, power hungry courtiers of King Louis's court. Will she stumble? Will she even survive? I sincerely contemplated chewing my nails as I feared what would happen.
I adored how Jessica Cale managed to make both main characters innocent, but not in the slightest bit weak and every bit intelligent and capable of saving themselves...
If you love historical romance, I highly recommend this book. It is the third book in the Southwark saga and all of them are excellent. You do not need to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but I recommend you do as they are every bit as wonderful as this one.
Unfortunately, I now have to wait again as I anticipate book 4... :)
I felt like I was there, in the Palace of Versailles in 1677 France, seeing the sights with my own eyes, hearing the sounds with my own ears, even smelling the smells... (which wasn't necessarily a good thing considering the time...lol).
I felt with Alice Henshawe, the heroine, and for her... I was frightened for her, happy for her, and in love with her and Jack, the love of her life.
Equal parts historical fiction and historical romance, The Long Way Home offered me a fascinating glimpse into the life, intrigue, and scandal that could be found in the court of King Louis XIV in 1677 France. Jessica Cale expertly wove historical facts and customs into the narrative without detracting from the plot... and all of it was fascinating. No skimming paragraphs in this novel!
As for the romance... this was one of those slow burning, gentle rain romances that make one sigh in the end. The two main characters, Alice and Jack, have known each other since they were 12 and 14. In this story, they are now adults who hadn't seen each other for five years. Jessica Cale breaks one of the common rules of modern romance by delaying the characters 'meeting' until Chapter 11...
...But rather than feel deprived of the characters' time together on the page, Ms. Cale expertly uses her superior skills as an author to build the tension to the point that you are squirming and dying with anticipation for that moment to happen. As a reader, I devoured every page, my anxiety almost palpable as I waited for that perfect moment... the moment they lay eyes on each other for the first time in five years. And it was, indeed, quite perfect.
Then there was the anxiety brought on by Alice's kindness and innocence as she attempts to navigate the evil, power hungry courtiers of King Louis's court. Will she stumble? Will she even survive? I sincerely contemplated chewing my nails as I feared what would happen.
I adored how Jessica Cale managed to make both main characters innocent, but not in the slightest bit weak and every bit intelligent and capable of saving themselves...
If you love historical romance, I highly recommend this book. It is the third book in the Southwark saga and all of them are excellent. You do not need to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but I recommend you do as they are every bit as wonderful as this one.
Unfortunately, I now have to wait again as I anticipate book 4... :)
February 18, 2016
The story takes place in the 1600s. It starts in England, but most of the action takes place in Versailles, France.
It was so hard to put this book down. The author has a way of drawing the reader into the action and story line. It’s an exciting story that constantly delivers the thrill that one gets from reading a good book. All else fades in the background and I was transported through time. It felt like I was Alice, experiencing everything first hand. The attention to detail like the smells, dresses, feelings, all felt real. For example, when Alice finds herself in King Louis court amongst the courtiers all dressed up with their over the top outfits and malodorous perfumes, I could actually smell what she was smelling.
“All around her was movement, the sound of heels clicking and violins groaning, and the smells of fifty different wash balls, flower waters, and pomades churning in a powdery cloud that disguised something sour lurking beneath.”
I fell in love with this book and with Alice. It was her inner monologue that made me laugh out loud.
“It was meant to smell like desire, but to her it just smelled like a squeezed cat.”
Alice’s adventures in France find her becoming the King’s favorite and part of the plot of women poisoning their husbands to gain money, favors, etc. It wasn’t a good place to be and I find that the old saying of “Not all that glitters is gold” especially true of the times back then. The beautiful dresses, make-up and beautiful words all had a double meaning and hid the tarnish underneath. It was full of intrigue and double agendas. Poor Alice has a trying time but pulls through because of Jack, her childhood friend.
Again, I found myself loving the secondary characters in this series. They bring such an entertaining aspect to the story line that made everything flow perfectly. The Southwark series is definitely one that needs to be read and is definitely going on my keeper shelf.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
It was so hard to put this book down. The author has a way of drawing the reader into the action and story line. It’s an exciting story that constantly delivers the thrill that one gets from reading a good book. All else fades in the background and I was transported through time. It felt like I was Alice, experiencing everything first hand. The attention to detail like the smells, dresses, feelings, all felt real. For example, when Alice finds herself in King Louis court amongst the courtiers all dressed up with their over the top outfits and malodorous perfumes, I could actually smell what she was smelling.
“All around her was movement, the sound of heels clicking and violins groaning, and the smells of fifty different wash balls, flower waters, and pomades churning in a powdery cloud that disguised something sour lurking beneath.”
I fell in love with this book and with Alice. It was her inner monologue that made me laugh out loud.
“It was meant to smell like desire, but to her it just smelled like a squeezed cat.”
Alice’s adventures in France find her becoming the King’s favorite and part of the plot of women poisoning their husbands to gain money, favors, etc. It wasn’t a good place to be and I find that the old saying of “Not all that glitters is gold” especially true of the times back then. The beautiful dresses, make-up and beautiful words all had a double meaning and hid the tarnish underneath. It was full of intrigue and double agendas. Poor Alice has a trying time but pulls through because of Jack, her childhood friend.
Again, I found myself loving the secondary characters in this series. They bring such an entertaining aspect to the story line that made everything flow perfectly. The Southwark series is definitely one that needs to be read and is definitely going on my keeper shelf.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
April 21, 2017
Little Alice of Southwark comes into her own in this suspenseful trip into the court of Louis XIV. Cales history and setting are as always spot on, but they never intrude into the humanity of her superb story telling.
The cast of characters are vividly drawn from the jealous women of the court, to the mincing courtiers, to the innocents caught in their web. Above all there is Jack, a hero's hero, even while he walks through an environment utterly foreign to him, and not just because he is English. I adore their friend Achille. Bring on his own book please!
Well done Jessica Cale
The cast of characters are vividly drawn from the jealous women of the court, to the mincing courtiers, to the innocents caught in their web. Above all there is Jack, a hero's hero, even while he walks through an environment utterly foreign to him, and not just because he is English. I adore their friend Achille. Bring on his own book please!
Well done Jessica Cale
September 4, 2016
**I was given a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
Another fantastic read from Jessica Cale! The Long Way Home is the third and latest installment in the Southwark series, and I'm quite relieved to hear that it won't be the last!
This time Cale takes us into France, the glittering world of the "Sun King". Versailles is a place full of beautiful and vain courtiers who wouldn't think twice before using poison or black magic to take down a rival mistress of the king.
Alice Henshawe has always been the "plain" sister in a family of buxom blondes. Her eldest sister, Meg wants her to join in the family business or marry into a situation that will benefit ALL the Henshawe girls. Alice has no desire to do either. Nearly five years ago she gave her heart to Jack Sharpe, a poor pickpocket turned carpenter's apprentice, when he first walked through the doors of the Rose and Crown. Jack is the only man for her, and if she can't have him then she'll happily live a life of celibacy.
A would be suitor tries to coerce Alice into a comprising situation, leaving her no choice but to hide in the wardrobe that is being shipped to France (unbeknownst to Alice). After arriving in France, her life is turned completely upside down... first she saves the life of a marchioness, who then makes Alice "mistress of the wardrobe" and whisks her off to Versailles.
Shortly thereafter Alice becomes an inspiration for "Cinderella", making her the object of many men's lusty ambitions in the French court. Being the shy barmaid that she is, Alice soon grows tired of the unwanted advances. Out of desperation she lies and says that she's actually married. When asked her husband's name she gives them the name of the only man she's ever loved... Jack Sharpe.
Little does she know that Jack is also at Versailles, posing as a courtier in order to investigate threats to the life of the king.
Once again, Jessica Cale has given readers a beautifully crafted romance. The Long Way Home is filled with carefully and thoroughly researched history and genuine multidimensional characters. It is every bit as good as it's preceding stories in the series!
Greatly anticipating book four!!!
Another fantastic read from Jessica Cale! The Long Way Home is the third and latest installment in the Southwark series, and I'm quite relieved to hear that it won't be the last!
This time Cale takes us into France, the glittering world of the "Sun King". Versailles is a place full of beautiful and vain courtiers who wouldn't think twice before using poison or black magic to take down a rival mistress of the king.
Alice Henshawe has always been the "plain" sister in a family of buxom blondes. Her eldest sister, Meg wants her to join in the family business or marry into a situation that will benefit ALL the Henshawe girls. Alice has no desire to do either. Nearly five years ago she gave her heart to Jack Sharpe, a poor pickpocket turned carpenter's apprentice, when he first walked through the doors of the Rose and Crown. Jack is the only man for her, and if she can't have him then she'll happily live a life of celibacy.
A would be suitor tries to coerce Alice into a comprising situation, leaving her no choice but to hide in the wardrobe that is being shipped to France (unbeknownst to Alice). After arriving in France, her life is turned completely upside down... first she saves the life of a marchioness, who then makes Alice "mistress of the wardrobe" and whisks her off to Versailles.
Shortly thereafter Alice becomes an inspiration for "Cinderella", making her the object of many men's lusty ambitions in the French court. Being the shy barmaid that she is, Alice soon grows tired of the unwanted advances. Out of desperation she lies and says that she's actually married. When asked her husband's name she gives them the name of the only man she's ever loved... Jack Sharpe.
Little does she know that Jack is also at Versailles, posing as a courtier in order to investigate threats to the life of the king.
Once again, Jessica Cale has given readers a beautifully crafted romance. The Long Way Home is filled with carefully and thoroughly researched history and genuine multidimensional characters. It is every bit as good as it's preceding stories in the series!
Greatly anticipating book four!!!
July 12, 2017
I saw this pairing coming from the first time Alice appeared in the saga. And what a pairing it turned out to be! The silent, too observant, innocent little bar maid and the overly loquacious carpenter's apprentice - a match made in Southwark!
I knew that Alice had many layers to her but to learn about her special gift (perceived curse) was awe inspiring. Again, as in the other books in this series, Alice and Jack were in constant peril from outside forces. The peril was heart stopping at so many moments.
The sweet romance between the pair was endearing. What girl wouldn't love a boy like Jack who vowed to always protect her? What boy wouldn't love a girl like Alice?
How in the world did these two gutter bred children end up in the glittering court of Versailles as favorites of King Louis XIV? The twists and turns of their journey make for an enjoyable ride. This is a book that you sit back and enjoy. Suspend disbelief and just go with it. You won't be disappointed.
Well, personally, I am disappointed because this is the end of my Southwark Saga binge. Now, I must wait until Jessica Cale writes the next book. Who will it be? Harry? Will? Judith? Carys? Bess? Bel?
Whoever it is, it will be a ride worth taking and this reader simply cannot wait.
If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend that you do. It is outstanding!
I knew that Alice had many layers to her but to learn about her special gift (perceived curse) was awe inspiring. Again, as in the other books in this series, Alice and Jack were in constant peril from outside forces. The peril was heart stopping at so many moments.
The sweet romance between the pair was endearing. What girl wouldn't love a boy like Jack who vowed to always protect her? What boy wouldn't love a girl like Alice?
How in the world did these two gutter bred children end up in the glittering court of Versailles as favorites of King Louis XIV? The twists and turns of their journey make for an enjoyable ride. This is a book that you sit back and enjoy. Suspend disbelief and just go with it. You won't be disappointed.
Well, personally, I am disappointed because this is the end of my Southwark Saga binge. Now, I must wait until Jessica Cale writes the next book. Who will it be? Harry? Will? Judith? Carys? Bess? Bel?
Whoever it is, it will be a ride worth taking and this reader simply cannot wait.
If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend that you do. It is outstanding!
February 16, 2016
Oh my... Jessica Cale has done it again, another delicious period romance with suspense, gorgeous descriptions of historical places and events and, of course LOVE. I ADORED the pairing of Alice and Jack, two lost souls who find themselves reunited after five painful years separation in Versailles of all places. Jack is investigating a creepy court poisoner, Alice got stuck in a cupboard and found herself at sea, the wardrobe mistress to an odd but wealthy woman.
I don't want to give away spoilers but skullduggery is afoot in the Sun Kings court and it's down to Alice and Jack to stop it.
I loved Jack, he's a charming male lead who is adorably still a virgin like Alice. Not enough romance novels take this tact and I was so into how eager and inexperienced they both were. I couldn't recommend this book more. It brightened a rainy Melbourne afternoon, transportating me to Yea olde France and putting a huge dorky smile on my face. Do yourself a favor and read this gosh darn book, it works even if your haven't read the other excellent novels in The Southwark Saga but I highly reccomend you do.
P.s. Mark Virtue remains as bangin' as ever. Every time his name was mentioned I may have uttered an internal squeal.
I don't want to give away spoilers but skullduggery is afoot in the Sun Kings court and it's down to Alice and Jack to stop it.
I loved Jack, he's a charming male lead who is adorably still a virgin like Alice. Not enough romance novels take this tact and I was so into how eager and inexperienced they both were. I couldn't recommend this book more. It brightened a rainy Melbourne afternoon, transportating me to Yea olde France and putting a huge dorky smile on my face. Do yourself a favor and read this gosh darn book, it works even if your haven't read the other excellent novels in The Southwark Saga but I highly reccomend you do.
P.s. Mark Virtue remains as bangin' as ever. Every time his name was mentioned I may have uttered an internal squeal.
March 7, 2016
Southwark Series continues abroad!
The third installment of the Southwark Saga series takes us abroad to the opulent shadow court of Versailles. I am a huge (supremely ginormous) fan of Jessica Cale's Southwark Saga. Raw, entertaining and deliciously mischievous, the residents of Southwark ensnare you, daring you to look away as they flounder and flourish, each citizen living their lives even more unapologetically than the next. A throwaway town chock full of highwaymen, whores, actresses, barmaids, the downtrodden and a variety of ne'er-do-wells, Southwark is teaming with life and is a character all its own. Which brings me to my first brush of "aww man" in the series; Alice and Jack spend 90% of the story abroad at the Kings court in Versailles! But- but-but- what about Southwark? I missed this little sub-cultured slip of a city as host of this latest novel. I missed the saga’s true home to distraction, and I hope the next installment resides firmly in this rotten town I love so much. Gah- plot location belly aching aside- this was a winner. Quiet and meek Alice has loved Jack from a far since she was fourteen and he was a young carpenter’s apprentice (among other things). One night Jack is forced to leave town for reasons Alice cannot piece together and they pine for one another for five long years. When fate lands Alice and Jack together again, love has to wait in line, as they play an intricate game of intrigue, falling in and out of trust with one another while desperately working to stay ahead of a vicious aspiring royal mistress and her poison ring that dares reach too close to the crown.
Poor Alice is a maiden of 19 and her hooker-beer slinging sisters can think of nothing but pushing her into the family whoring business. After all, it is Southwark.
"Are you waiting for someone to marry you? You the penniless fourth daughter in a family of tarts? Why would someone marry you, when they could have any one of the rest of us for a crown? You're too old to believe in nonsense. Too bloody old, and I'm getting bloody tired of trying to get through to you. You're dirt poor, you're plain, and you haven't got a lick of sense. You, my girl, will take what you can get. You can't be a maiden forever."
Alice clenched her teeth together so hard that her jaw hurt. Yes, I can.
Ahh. Gotta love that sisterly love eh? Right away, I donned my fatigues and waved my #FreeAlice banner. A young woman who is in love with love and determined not to sell herself short, despite the blackest of influences and negative support? Yes please!
After an ill-intentioned suitor and a gang of thugs chase Alice one night in Southwark, she finds herself unintentionally sold and shipped to France where she rather inexplicably saves the life of a wealthy viper, Ysabeau, the Marquise de Harfleur. Alice has a photographic, perfect memory that Ysabeau plots to use to her own ambitious ends. Alice��s lifesaving good deed whisks her to an opulent world she never thought she'd be a part of. Fancy dresses, beauty, powerful men and murder!
While Alice is brought to court and inspires favor from the king, Jack, who is in the armed services, gets wind that she has disappeared and may be in Versailles. A series of convenient coincidences puts him once again in Alice's path. This time neither is able to turn off the flood of desire and longing and a quick marriage of convenience follows- most likely so that they are not falsely accused and hanged for plotting against the crown. Their farce of a marriage is a catalyst for a game of lying in wait and cat and mouse that was most exciting to unravel.
I did take question with some of Alice's actions. She was clever and highly observant and spying for Ysabeau and the King but why oh why would she put herself in the position to be abused by Ysabeau time and time again. She figured out that the Marquise was peddling poison and yet still sipped from cups provided by Ysabeau? I get it, the first time, ok Alice has to take one for the team, but after that, I much rather she had found clever ways to turn the tables earlier on. Also, the witchcraft angle felt a little superfluous. Little things like this raised a few flags in my mind, but ultimately, the story was strong enough to take a little lump here and there. When they FINALLY overcome the obstacles that hinder their consummating their marriage, it is one of the most comical notions of the novel. Two words for you. Eunuch Allegations. *snickers*
On the whole, author Jessica Cale mixes historical drama, and suspense and the result is two of Southwark's most pure of heart are thrown into the lion’s den and have to play their best court games with their cards held close to their chest. Never certain of who could be trusted, The Long Way Home kept my mind working and invested in the plot coming to ahead. These Southwark Saga novels flow very nicely into one another. I appreciated the glimpses into past characters lives as they coincided with Alice and Jack's story. I recommend starting the book in order, or at the very least reading the phenomenal book two, Virtue's Lady before starting The Long Way Home. I'm not sure I'd have the same reaction had I not been able to rely upon the sustained affection that rooted with the first two books in the series. Some mid series books need to tap into that well and this is one of them.
The third installment of the Southwark Saga series takes us abroad to the opulent shadow court of Versailles. I am a huge (supremely ginormous) fan of Jessica Cale's Southwark Saga. Raw, entertaining and deliciously mischievous, the residents of Southwark ensnare you, daring you to look away as they flounder and flourish, each citizen living their lives even more unapologetically than the next. A throwaway town chock full of highwaymen, whores, actresses, barmaids, the downtrodden and a variety of ne'er-do-wells, Southwark is teaming with life and is a character all its own. Which brings me to my first brush of "aww man" in the series; Alice and Jack spend 90% of the story abroad at the Kings court in Versailles! But- but-but- what about Southwark? I missed this little sub-cultured slip of a city as host of this latest novel. I missed the saga’s true home to distraction, and I hope the next installment resides firmly in this rotten town I love so much. Gah- plot location belly aching aside- this was a winner. Quiet and meek Alice has loved Jack from a far since she was fourteen and he was a young carpenter’s apprentice (among other things). One night Jack is forced to leave town for reasons Alice cannot piece together and they pine for one another for five long years. When fate lands Alice and Jack together again, love has to wait in line, as they play an intricate game of intrigue, falling in and out of trust with one another while desperately working to stay ahead of a vicious aspiring royal mistress and her poison ring that dares reach too close to the crown.
Poor Alice is a maiden of 19 and her hooker-beer slinging sisters can think of nothing but pushing her into the family whoring business. After all, it is Southwark.
"Are you waiting for someone to marry you? You the penniless fourth daughter in a family of tarts? Why would someone marry you, when they could have any one of the rest of us for a crown? You're too old to believe in nonsense. Too bloody old, and I'm getting bloody tired of trying to get through to you. You're dirt poor, you're plain, and you haven't got a lick of sense. You, my girl, will take what you can get. You can't be a maiden forever."
Alice clenched her teeth together so hard that her jaw hurt. Yes, I can.
Ahh. Gotta love that sisterly love eh? Right away, I donned my fatigues and waved my #FreeAlice banner. A young woman who is in love with love and determined not to sell herself short, despite the blackest of influences and negative support? Yes please!
After an ill-intentioned suitor and a gang of thugs chase Alice one night in Southwark, she finds herself unintentionally sold and shipped to France where she rather inexplicably saves the life of a wealthy viper, Ysabeau, the Marquise de Harfleur. Alice has a photographic, perfect memory that Ysabeau plots to use to her own ambitious ends. Alice��s lifesaving good deed whisks her to an opulent world she never thought she'd be a part of. Fancy dresses, beauty, powerful men and murder!
While Alice is brought to court and inspires favor from the king, Jack, who is in the armed services, gets wind that she has disappeared and may be in Versailles. A series of convenient coincidences puts him once again in Alice's path. This time neither is able to turn off the flood of desire and longing and a quick marriage of convenience follows- most likely so that they are not falsely accused and hanged for plotting against the crown. Their farce of a marriage is a catalyst for a game of lying in wait and cat and mouse that was most exciting to unravel.
I did take question with some of Alice's actions. She was clever and highly observant and spying for Ysabeau and the King but why oh why would she put herself in the position to be abused by Ysabeau time and time again. She figured out that the Marquise was peddling poison and yet still sipped from cups provided by Ysabeau? I get it, the first time, ok Alice has to take one for the team, but after that, I much rather she had found clever ways to turn the tables earlier on. Also, the witchcraft angle felt a little superfluous. Little things like this raised a few flags in my mind, but ultimately, the story was strong enough to take a little lump here and there. When they FINALLY overcome the obstacles that hinder their consummating their marriage, it is one of the most comical notions of the novel. Two words for you. Eunuch Allegations. *snickers*
On the whole, author Jessica Cale mixes historical drama, and suspense and the result is two of Southwark's most pure of heart are thrown into the lion’s den and have to play their best court games with their cards held close to their chest. Never certain of who could be trusted, The Long Way Home kept my mind working and invested in the plot coming to ahead. These Southwark Saga novels flow very nicely into one another. I appreciated the glimpses into past characters lives as they coincided with Alice and Jack's story. I recommend starting the book in order, or at the very least reading the phenomenal book two, Virtue's Lady before starting The Long Way Home. I'm not sure I'd have the same reaction had I not been able to rely upon the sustained affection that rooted with the first two books in the series. Some mid series books need to tap into that well and this is one of them.
Read
December 13, 2023This is another one that I was thinking to myself "i really like this" until maybe 3/4 of the way through when I got bored and I'm not entirely sure why. But i didnt hate any of the end of it either.
March 6, 2016
In The Long Way Home, Jessica Cale does it again and delivers a gem. Exciting, romantic and written with great flair.
What an awesome way to learn History! One of the great things about The Long Way Home was the way it showed life and intrigue at the French court of King Louis, around 1677.
The author’s well researched endeavor added to her writing that pulls its readers into the story as they, if the mood is right, begin to fantasize they’re in Alice’s shoes, due to the descriptions which are provided, especially that of court life. (I was so amused by the way people announced they want to enter a room. Not by knocking at the door!)
Reading this book was like watching a movie. All the historical details enhanced the intriguing plot, while the relationship between our hero and heroine kept the story moving at a fast pace. While the story is very detailed, it never detracts from the story line, but rather adds to it and makes it more real.
A few words about the main characters - Alice one of the Henshawe girls and Jack Sharpe, Mark Virtue’s apprentice, now a soldier.
How they see each other.
Alice, “Jack, on the other hand, looked like every wonderful dream she’d had since she was a little girl. Everything around them seemed to fall away as he walked up to her with love in his eyes and handed her a pale pink, late blooming rose. “
Jack, “ She turned those hazy eyes to him and her gaze warmed him to his toes. ”
Go with them on their journey of discovering the love they share, in a place “where love lasts as long as it needs to, to further people’s ambitions. It does not endure.” A court where as one of the characters says: “No one has friends here. They have rivals.”
Alice becomes a Cinderella /“Cendrillon,” at the king’s court. But what starts as a joke, a farce soon takes another turn. Unexpected for many of the participants in this game of intrigue, betrayal, deceit and murder.
Ysabeau Oullette-Martell, with her black magic interests and her unscrupulous behavior, is an interesting character, too.
The Long Way Home is a charming book, a very unique historical romance/adventure which is very refreshing and hard to find these days. It is very much a love story as it is a historical mystery. It had all the perfect elements in all the right places. With fantastic characters and intriguing drama, this is a story you don't want to miss. Read this is all I can say.
I love Jessica Cale 's books. They have everything that draws me. Some humor, some darkness, and most of all , for me, complete involvement with the story and the characters.
Knowledge of the previous two books of the series adds to the beauty of The Long Way Home, but it certainly is not necessary to have read them to completely enjoy this book. I love Cale 's attention to historical detail, you can tell her books are meticulously researched without ever descending into tedious recitation of facts.
It would make a captivating cloak and dagger movie, trust me. Thank You Jessica Cale for enjoyable books to read!
What an awesome way to learn History! One of the great things about The Long Way Home was the way it showed life and intrigue at the French court of King Louis, around 1677.
The author’s well researched endeavor added to her writing that pulls its readers into the story as they, if the mood is right, begin to fantasize they’re in Alice’s shoes, due to the descriptions which are provided, especially that of court life. (I was so amused by the way people announced they want to enter a room. Not by knocking at the door!)
Reading this book was like watching a movie. All the historical details enhanced the intriguing plot, while the relationship between our hero and heroine kept the story moving at a fast pace. While the story is very detailed, it never detracts from the story line, but rather adds to it and makes it more real.
A few words about the main characters - Alice one of the Henshawe girls and Jack Sharpe, Mark Virtue’s apprentice, now a soldier.
How they see each other.
Alice, “Jack, on the other hand, looked like every wonderful dream she’d had since she was a little girl. Everything around them seemed to fall away as he walked up to her with love in his eyes and handed her a pale pink, late blooming rose. “
Jack, “ She turned those hazy eyes to him and her gaze warmed him to his toes. ”
Go with them on their journey of discovering the love they share, in a place “where love lasts as long as it needs to, to further people’s ambitions. It does not endure.” A court where as one of the characters says: “No one has friends here. They have rivals.”
Alice becomes a Cinderella /“Cendrillon,” at the king’s court. But what starts as a joke, a farce soon takes another turn. Unexpected for many of the participants in this game of intrigue, betrayal, deceit and murder.
Ysabeau Oullette-Martell, with her black magic interests and her unscrupulous behavior, is an interesting character, too.
The Long Way Home is a charming book, a very unique historical romance/adventure which is very refreshing and hard to find these days. It is very much a love story as it is a historical mystery. It had all the perfect elements in all the right places. With fantastic characters and intriguing drama, this is a story you don't want to miss. Read this is all I can say.
I love Jessica Cale 's books. They have everything that draws me. Some humor, some darkness, and most of all , for me, complete involvement with the story and the characters.
Knowledge of the previous two books of the series adds to the beauty of The Long Way Home, but it certainly is not necessary to have read them to completely enjoy this book. I love Cale 's attention to historical detail, you can tell her books are meticulously researched without ever descending into tedious recitation of facts.
It would make a captivating cloak and dagger movie, trust me. Thank You Jessica Cale for enjoyable books to read!
March 11, 2016
I know every time I read a Jessica Cale book, I will be swept away to a wonderful world I hate to leave at the end of the book. The Long Way Home is no different. I've read all three of Ms. Cale's Southwark Saga romances and they all figure among my favorite stories. Lush and evocative, they are pictures of a bygone time. The author shows us its beauties but also its harsh and malicious truths. The first two books in this series are set in post-Fire London. In The Long Way Home, the characters of Alice and Jack, bred in Southwark, end up at the court of the Sun King at Versailles. This is a tale of betrayal and poison, of intrigue and lust. At its heart is a beautiful love story with characters whose goodness is matched by their immense appeal. There is something so gratifying in watching Alice, the quiet barmaid, transform into the lovely Cendrillon of King Louis' court. And yet at the same time, the author quietly builds a sense of dread as Alice is immersed in the wiles of the court. This is a place where no one is safe from scrutiny and where some would be willing to kill for a place of honor. Luckily, she has the brave and noble Jack on her side. I loved watching these two fall in love and cannot wait for a return to Southwark. If you love romance, you need to add Jessica Cale to your list of go-to authors.
January 14, 2017
This book was engrossing - I read it in practically one sitting. Jessica's detailed descriptions of Versailles made the setting shine for me. The secondary characters were almost as interesting as the mains... I curious which will show up in the next installment.
March 26, 2019
The best in the series yet! A sweet romance, set against the opulent, but treacherous world of Louis XIV's Versailles.
Full review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
Full review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
Want to read
May 1, 2016Not bad. Certain parts i found slow but overall it was a good read.
March 10, 2016
Lush writing, a sweet romance, and a plot full of intrigue!
August 18, 2018
My favorite kind of romance: both the hero and heroine are virgins at the start, but not at the end. ;) That's hard to find! As a Francophile, I enjoyed the setting as well: the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV of France, at his glittering palace of Versailles. I quit watching the Versailles miniseries because I didn't find any of the characters likable, with the exception of the anachronistic female doctor. Happily, that is not the case here. Cale doesn't shy away from the ugliness of the court or the unpleasant aspects of the palace itself, but we have two wonderfully sympathetic characters to follow through the madness/swamp: our hero and heroine, Jack and Alice. I also grew fond of their friend Achille, a marquis of color, and I look forward to his book! But most of all, I wanted those two crazy kids to get together! And when they finally do, Cale does not disappoint! The heroine has an exceptional memory, which makes her a great spy and leads to my favorite lines:
Jack paused, looking at her curiously. "So you remember everything?"
She nodded dumbly, biting her kiss-swollen lip.
A slow, wicked smile crossed his lips. "I'd better make this good."
Jack paused, looking at her curiously. "So you remember everything?"
She nodded dumbly, biting her kiss-swollen lip.
A slow, wicked smile crossed his lips. "I'd better make this good."
February 8, 2023
The series continues with another well-written and nicely narrated entry that, as do all the books so far, can be read without having read the preceding entries. This story follows Alice, one of the sisters who co-own and work at a tavern where key characters in the series tend to converge, and her longtime crush Jack, who was an apprentice carpenter to Mark from another book but who joins the army when he loses his family. Jack ends up in France as a spy in the court of Versailles where he discovers Alice has also ended up after her keen skills of observation resulted in her saving the life of a French noblewoman.
This book paints a fascinating picture of life in the French court, and layers intrigue upon intrigue while building the romance between Jack and Alice. The two mutually pine for each other but due to constant misunderstandings and assumptions, manage to keep missing each other’s meaning or misspeaking.
This book paints a fascinating picture of life in the French court, and layers intrigue upon intrigue while building the romance between Jack and Alice. The two mutually pine for each other but due to constant misunderstandings and assumptions, manage to keep missing each other’s meaning or misspeaking.
December 4, 2019
What could be farther from the slums of Southwark than the Court of the Sun King? Who could be of less use in Court intrigue than barmaid, Alice Henshawe, who rarely even speaks and has been in love with Jack Sharpe, gone to soldier, her entire life? Oh my sweet summer child, sit right next to me, clear your schedule and prepare to be transported into a historical romance with generous portions of both.
Readers looking for a well written, well researched historical romance in the tradition of the mother's of the genre need look no further than Jessica Cale.
Also, Achille is my book boyfriend, and that whisper about Joanna, hmm, Ms. Cale, I am watching you. Intently.
Seriously, if you want a richly detailed, satisfying historical romance, read this.
Readers looking for a well written, well researched historical romance in the tradition of the mother's of the genre need look no further than Jessica Cale.
Also, Achille is my book boyfriend, and that whisper about Joanna, hmm, Ms. Cale, I am watching you. Intently.
Seriously, if you want a richly detailed, satisfying historical romance, read this.
March 1, 2020
Wonderful story set in the French court of Louis XIV in the 1670’s.
Full Of poisoning, black magic and an abundance of peas, this was a dirty, gothic romp through the beautiful and corrupt french aristocracy. The court is beautiful, yet disgusting and full of intrigue. Will Alice Henshawe, quiet, clever and mostly silent watcher of everyone thrive or be destroyed in this febrile atmosphere, and when her secret beloved Jack Sharpe, British soldier appears, Will they survive the power grabs and wicked plots or will they lose their lives.
Such a well written and exciting book. It has me on the edge of my seat for both the intrigue and the love story!
Fabulous!
Full Of poisoning, black magic and an abundance of peas, this was a dirty, gothic romp through the beautiful and corrupt french aristocracy. The court is beautiful, yet disgusting and full of intrigue. Will Alice Henshawe, quiet, clever and mostly silent watcher of everyone thrive or be destroyed in this febrile atmosphere, and when her secret beloved Jack Sharpe, British soldier appears, Will they survive the power grabs and wicked plots or will they lose their lives.
Such a well written and exciting book. It has me on the edge of my seat for both the intrigue and the love story!
Fabulous!
February 28, 2023
Interesting read in a time period and setting you don’t see as often. There were several moments where I felt deep frustration with the main characters lack of communication and the miscommunications could have prob been cut down a little. But otherwise a good read with lots of interesting historical tidbits. I actually feel like a lot of it is totally believable in terms of the poisoning plot and scandals. I don’t really understand the politics of why Jack was sent to Louis court to begin with but it wasn’t too detrimental to the story.
🌶️ level: 2/5
🌶️ level: 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
Court Intrigue and Danger 4.5*
I won an autographed copy of this book way back in Oct 17 and have only just got around to reading. The majority of the book is set at the Versailles court of Louis XIV and makes for fascinating reading. I especially loved how the author wrote Perrault and his Cendrillon story into the tale. The undeclared love that Alice and Jack have for each other is selfless and pure and makes a marked contrast to the greed, lust and corruption of Court life. Recommended read.
I won an autographed copy of this book way back in Oct 17 and have only just got around to reading. The majority of the book is set at the Versailles court of Louis XIV and makes for fascinating reading. I especially loved how the author wrote Perrault and his Cendrillon story into the tale. The undeclared love that Alice and Jack have for each other is selfless and pure and makes a marked contrast to the greed, lust and corruption of Court life. Recommended read.
July 4, 2020
Awesome!
I really enjoyed the strong character Alice. The only thing is I thought the misunderstanding one another had about each other's feelings was a bit drawn out. However, there was not a lot of explicit sex scenes of which I prefer there not be, so that was a plus. I look forward for the continuance of the family's story in the next book.
I really enjoyed the strong character Alice. The only thing is I thought the misunderstanding one another had about each other's feelings was a bit drawn out. However, there was not a lot of explicit sex scenes of which I prefer there not be, so that was a plus. I look forward for the continuance of the family's story in the next book.
December 2, 2021
Maybe be my favorite of the series
October 15, 2024
This is a historical fiction storyline with many twists and turns. It has a lot of people carrying out the storyline.
March 25, 2016
This historical romance sweeps you from the dirty streets of Southwark, England to the court of the Louis, the Sun King in Versailles. It is an epic story, with elements of the supernatural and fairy-tales. I enjoyed the mention of the original Cinderella story, and how Alice's story reflects that (although with an evil fairy godmother). Her prince, Jack, is sweet and romantic - maybe a little too much for my taste. His insistence on not recognizing that Alice desires him wore a little thin. I wanted to shake him and say "She wants you, dummy! Go for it!" But all in all I really enjoyed this tumbling tale of poison and passion.
May 31, 2016
Excellent 3rd book
I really enjoyed reading this series. It's great how you bring out the characters in each book. Hope to see more books published.
I really enjoyed reading this series. It's great how you bring out the characters in each book. Hope to see more books published.
March 28, 2016
I am addicted to these characters! The long Way Home with it's intrigue, richly ornate history masterfully weaved from Author, Jessica Cale is a page turner I couldn't put down. Bravo! More please!
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