What do you think?
Rate this book
West Country Trilogy #1
Bridles Lane
Cornwall, England. 1740.
They say only the brave ride Bridles Lane at night.
Vicar Richard Dodge speaks of ghosts and demons, conducting elaborate exorcisms in his churchyard overlooking the lane. And with the villagers sheltering in fear, local smugglers carry their haul up the road to be hidden in the safety of the church.
Isaac and Scarlett Bailey have spent their lives hiding contraband in Talland church. Forced into free trade by their father's mistakes, they want nothing more than to escape the smuggling syndicate and build a life above the law.
On the other side of Bridles Lane, Flora Kelly has grown up in the shadow of her mother, the village charmer. Sceptical of her mother's craft, Flora reopens her family's tavern, determined that her life will not be one of fortune telling and herbal lore.
When a seemingly abandoned ship is wrecked in Talland Bay, it sparks a wave of hysteria among the superstitious villagers. Faith in the vicar wavers and Flora feels herself drawn to the controversial old ways of her mother. Among growing unrest, the mystery of the wrecked ship deepens, unearthing long-forgotten secrets that will tear a village- and a family- apart.
Inspired by true events, Bridles Lane is the first book in the West Country Trilogy, from the author of Forgotten Places and The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.
They say only the brave ride Bridles Lane at night.
Vicar Richard Dodge speaks of ghosts and demons, conducting elaborate exorcisms in his churchyard overlooking the lane. And with the villagers sheltering in fear, local smugglers carry their haul up the road to be hidden in the safety of the church.
Isaac and Scarlett Bailey have spent their lives hiding contraband in Talland church. Forced into free trade by their father's mistakes, they want nothing more than to escape the smuggling syndicate and build a life above the law.
On the other side of Bridles Lane, Flora Kelly has grown up in the shadow of her mother, the village charmer. Sceptical of her mother's craft, Flora reopens her family's tavern, determined that her life will not be one of fortune telling and herbal lore.
When a seemingly abandoned ship is wrecked in Talland Bay, it sparks a wave of hysteria among the superstitious villagers. Faith in the vicar wavers and Flora feels herself drawn to the controversial old ways of her mother. Among growing unrest, the mystery of the wrecked ship deepens, unearthing long-forgotten secrets that will tear a village- and a family- apart.
Inspired by true events, Bridles Lane is the first book in the West Country Trilogy, from the author of Forgotten Places and The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2018
243 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Craven
27 books92 followersA lover of old stuff, folk music, and dance, Johanna Craven bases her books around little-known true events from the past, often set in bleak and beautiful places. She divides her time between Australia and the UK, and can very easily be persuaded to tell you about the time she accidentally swam with seals on Holy Island.
Find out more at www.johannacraven.com.
Find out more at www.johannacraven.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 17, 2021
This is the third book I read by Johanna Craven and like her other books it is meticulously researched. She has set her story in 1740’s cornwall , a time when taxes where high and smuggling therefore rife. We are introduced to Isaac Bailey and his much younger sister Scarlet. After the death of his parents, Isaac does not only have to care for his sister but also has to pay off his father’s debt. The writer has put her characters in some desperate situations and they don’t always take the noblest way to get them out of these situations. This is what I like about this writer; her characters are flawed and complex in their motives. Like Scarlet who is innocent and trusting of her fellow man, but often finds herself descending into a dark and uncontrollable rage. The wild country side and the unpredictable sea form an atmospheric back drop and we can understand why the villagers are so superstitious. People where ill-informed and couldn’t explain the strange events Mother Nature had in store for them. This is the first of a trilogy and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes the Baileys
July 5, 2018
If the beautiful cover on this book attracts you - buy it! Black threatening skies, crashing waves, rocky shoreline and a mysterious young woman, probably where she shouldn't be - that sums up the tone of the story based around the Cornish coastline, pretty well!
If you like historical fiction written in a way that draws you into the story so you see events unfolding as if you were there, then this is the book for you.
I loved the plot and characters and the eerie atmosphere of mistrust and ancient beliefs.
Craven has a distinctive style of writing that is engaging and with the minimum of words, she creates sights and sounds that bring her stories alive.
Recommend.
If you like historical fiction written in a way that draws you into the story so you see events unfolding as if you were there, then this is the book for you.
I loved the plot and characters and the eerie atmosphere of mistrust and ancient beliefs.
Craven has a distinctive style of writing that is engaging and with the minimum of words, she creates sights and sounds that bring her stories alive.
Recommend.
January 2, 2024
I picked this up because it sat in my kindle for two years and it's less than three hundred pages, but also it's set in a favorite setting of mine-the sea.
It skips around a little here and there but the atmosphere is rich, even if I was unimpressed at the hysteria and religion within. Based on a true story however; the author definitely did her research.
A dead ship washes up, a woman rescues a man on board, and spooky things happen. It was a good time but I wasn't fully invested with the story. Not sure why maybe it was just my mood.
Rated: 3.5 ⭐
Recommended: for those who like historical fiction with a dark atmosphere
It skips around a little here and there but the atmosphere is rich, even if I was unimpressed at the hysteria and religion within. Based on a true story however; the author definitely did her research.
A dead ship washes up, a woman rescues a man on board, and spooky things happen. It was a good time but I wasn't fully invested with the story. Not sure why maybe it was just my mood.
Rated: 3.5 ⭐
Recommended: for those who like historical fiction with a dark atmosphere
November 15, 2018
Inspired by true events, author Johanna Craven has spun a historically chilling tale of lies, manipulation, religion, superstition, smuggling, shipwrecks and debt in 18th century Cornwall.
Orphan Scarlett Bailey is delivered from a children's home by Isaac, an older brother she didn't know she had. Raised in a superstitious community where shipwrecks and smuggling go hand-in-hand, Scarlett grows, and despite being fueled by an anger she calls The Wild, she saves the life of an injured sailor, Asher Hales, from a Dead Wreck. At first, to preserve his life, she must keep him a secret. Little does she know who he really is and what truly happened on that wreck. There are many machinations, many stories within the story.
"The tales grow legs. Fairy tales become truths. A haunted coast, the people say. Men refuse to ride Bridle's Lane at night. Reverend Dodge has become a legend."
In town there is a host of interesting characters, from the Reverend Richard Dodge and his fiery sermons and contrived exorcisms, protecting the population from ghosts, corpse candles and the spirits of the dead, to Flora Kelly, a headstrong widow, and daughter of a so-accused witch who wants to reopen an inn, the Mariner's Arms.
"These fools, he'd thought, clinging to fairy tales that make their dark world glitter. But now he sees with sickening clarity. He has fallen for the myth he had been so desperate to believe."
The writing in Bridle's Land is crisp and rich, drawing the reader into the time period. It's an eerie tale set in a troubled point of history for the poor and indentured, debts passed down from parents to children, binding them to lives they would not choose for themselves. It is a difficult book to put down. And after what I read at the end, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Orphan Scarlett Bailey is delivered from a children's home by Isaac, an older brother she didn't know she had. Raised in a superstitious community where shipwrecks and smuggling go hand-in-hand, Scarlett grows, and despite being fueled by an anger she calls The Wild, she saves the life of an injured sailor, Asher Hales, from a Dead Wreck. At first, to preserve his life, she must keep him a secret. Little does she know who he really is and what truly happened on that wreck. There are many machinations, many stories within the story.
"The tales grow legs. Fairy tales become truths. A haunted coast, the people say. Men refuse to ride Bridle's Lane at night. Reverend Dodge has become a legend."
In town there is a host of interesting characters, from the Reverend Richard Dodge and his fiery sermons and contrived exorcisms, protecting the population from ghosts, corpse candles and the spirits of the dead, to Flora Kelly, a headstrong widow, and daughter of a so-accused witch who wants to reopen an inn, the Mariner's Arms.
"These fools, he'd thought, clinging to fairy tales that make their dark world glitter. But now he sees with sickening clarity. He has fallen for the myth he had been so desperate to believe."
The writing in Bridle's Land is crisp and rich, drawing the reader into the time period. It's an eerie tale set in a troubled point of history for the poor and indentured, debts passed down from parents to children, binding them to lives they would not choose for themselves. It is a difficult book to put down. And after what I read at the end, I look forward to the next book in the series.
Read
July 10, 2018Isaac returned home to find his families' graves had expanded further, he thought he was alone, until he heard of his sister, Scarlett, at the children home. He planned to leave her, thinking she would have a better life than he could offer, and yet he took her home. The problem about returning to his father's land was he also obtained his debts, debts that were to be repaid via smuggling. Scarlett helped where she could, but on the night the dead ship arrives on the beach, things take a turn. Everyone knows a dead ship brings ill fortune, people turn to God and prayers, while Scarlett attempts to shelter the sole survivor, if anyone knew he had lived, his longevity would be limited. Unbeknown to her he has his own agenda, and she is just the person to help her fulfil it.
Bridles Lane is a historical fiction written by Johanna Craven. Written in the present tense it makes you feel as if you're there watching history unfold. The characters are believable, three dimensional, each with their own stories and concerns. The plot revolves around the strong-willed Scarlett, as well as a small cast of well-designed characters. The writing is very atmospheric and easily draws the reader into a time of religions, fear, and superstition. This will keep you entertained and engaged beginning to end.
Bridles Lane is a historical fiction written by Johanna Craven. Written in the present tense it makes you feel as if you're there watching history unfold. The characters are believable, three dimensional, each with their own stories and concerns. The plot revolves around the strong-willed Scarlett, as well as a small cast of well-designed characters. The writing is very atmospheric and easily draws the reader into a time of religions, fear, and superstition. This will keep you entertained and engaged beginning to end.
September 5, 2018
Highly recommended
I've read 'Forgotten Places' and 'The Devil and the Depp Blue Sea', so I new this would be a well-written and well-researched historical fiction story. It is set in the mid-18th Century in Cornwall, SE England where life is hard and the burdens of family push the main protagonist to the edge. The author successfully brings the location with all the idiosyncrasies of the time and the people to life. The plot is well-crafted and as usual the narrative follows smoothly. Scenes are brought alive by vivid description. The characters fit perfectly into the time and are enriched with fears, myths and superstitions that drove people of that era. Highly recommended.
I've read 'Forgotten Places' and 'The Devil and the Depp Blue Sea', so I new this would be a well-written and well-researched historical fiction story. It is set in the mid-18th Century in Cornwall, SE England where life is hard and the burdens of family push the main protagonist to the edge. The author successfully brings the location with all the idiosyncrasies of the time and the people to life. The plot is well-crafted and as usual the narrative follows smoothly. Scenes are brought alive by vivid description. The characters fit perfectly into the time and are enriched with fears, myths and superstitions that drove people of that era. Highly recommended.
Want to read
June 21, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (6/21/2018)!💝
February 26, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
I have not read any of this author's books but what a great introduction by way of this book. It is the first book in the series West Country Trilogy. It is not a standalone story and ends with many threads of the story unresolved.
This story is loosely based on a true historical event. Here, Isaac comes home to find both of his parents deceased and a sister Scarlett in the orphanage. With no means to care for her, he briefly contemplates leaving her behind. But instead, Isaac takes Scarlett home and is forced to make difficult decisions to care for his family - not always on the right side of the law. One night a ship washes ashore. Some of the villagers gather to plunder the ship. However, they soon discover that the ship has no crew and barely any goods to take. However, Scarlett finds an injured man on the ship. She sneaks him off the ship to nurse him back to health. This man tells Scarlett about a treasure to be found and she agrees to help him find it. But, since the ship's arrival, things have started to change in the village and the villagers believe they have been cursed. What happened to the crew of the ship? Is there truly a treasure and does Scarlett's father have anything to do with it?
I really liked the village setting and the hysteria which develops, in part thanks to the Vicar. The interactions between Scarlett and Isaac made you feel like you were eavesdropping on real family dynamics. The author's manner of writing - short descriptive sentences, some just a word or two long - added to the tension/suspense of the story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I listened to this story -the narrator, Rebecca McKernan, did a very good job. The only slight ditraction - She has [or uses] an Irish accent, which a few times caused me to misunderstand what she said. For the entire story, I thought Scarlett's name was Charlotte due to pronunciation.
I have not read any of this author's books but what a great introduction by way of this book. It is the first book in the series West Country Trilogy. It is not a standalone story and ends with many threads of the story unresolved.
This story is loosely based on a true historical event. Here, Isaac comes home to find both of his parents deceased and a sister Scarlett in the orphanage. With no means to care for her, he briefly contemplates leaving her behind. But instead, Isaac takes Scarlett home and is forced to make difficult decisions to care for his family - not always on the right side of the law. One night a ship washes ashore. Some of the villagers gather to plunder the ship. However, they soon discover that the ship has no crew and barely any goods to take. However, Scarlett finds an injured man on the ship. She sneaks him off the ship to nurse him back to health. This man tells Scarlett about a treasure to be found and she agrees to help him find it. But, since the ship's arrival, things have started to change in the village and the villagers believe they have been cursed. What happened to the crew of the ship? Is there truly a treasure and does Scarlett's father have anything to do with it?
I really liked the village setting and the hysteria which develops, in part thanks to the Vicar. The interactions between Scarlett and Isaac made you feel like you were eavesdropping on real family dynamics. The author's manner of writing - short descriptive sentences, some just a word or two long - added to the tension/suspense of the story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I listened to this story -the narrator, Rebecca McKernan, did a very good job. The only slight ditraction - She has [or uses] an Irish accent, which a few times caused me to misunderstand what she said. For the entire story, I thought Scarlett's name was Charlotte due to pronunciation.
August 22, 2018
Another cracking historical novel from Johanna Craven, this time the first in a trilogy dealing with smugglers and superstition in old Cornwall.
Firstly, the characters are pleasingly multi-layered, revealing new aspects to themselves as the plot unfolds and we - and the other characters - get to know them better. The character around whom the narrative turns is Scarlett, who idolises her brother, though even he turns out to have moral grey areas as the story unfolds. Fine, upstanding folk are shown to be cowards, villainous types defy cliches and aren't totally devoid of humanity, nor are they responsible for all they're accused of. All of the characters are complex, with both likable and unlikable traits. Even Scarlett, who often serves as the reader's point of reference, has her dark side, a wild temper that can't be controlled.
There is superstition galore, encouraged on the one hand to keep folk indoors so the smugglers can land their goods unseen, but later escalating out of control and putting lives in peril. The shifting responses of different people to these superstitious outbreaks are a fascinating mixture.
There are several major twists and turns in the plot. The author isn't afraid to establish something as fact early in the novel only to blow it out of the water later when new information is discovered. This leaves the reader as stunned as the characters in the story, and sets up the scene ready for book 2 perfectly.
A compelling and intriguing read, with a great setting and characters, that keeps the tension high throughout.
Firstly, the characters are pleasingly multi-layered, revealing new aspects to themselves as the plot unfolds and we - and the other characters - get to know them better. The character around whom the narrative turns is Scarlett, who idolises her brother, though even he turns out to have moral grey areas as the story unfolds. Fine, upstanding folk are shown to be cowards, villainous types defy cliches and aren't totally devoid of humanity, nor are they responsible for all they're accused of. All of the characters are complex, with both likable and unlikable traits. Even Scarlett, who often serves as the reader's point of reference, has her dark side, a wild temper that can't be controlled.
There is superstition galore, encouraged on the one hand to keep folk indoors so the smugglers can land their goods unseen, but later escalating out of control and putting lives in peril. The shifting responses of different people to these superstitious outbreaks are a fascinating mixture.
There are several major twists and turns in the plot. The author isn't afraid to establish something as fact early in the novel only to blow it out of the water later when new information is discovered. This leaves the reader as stunned as the characters in the story, and sets up the scene ready for book 2 perfectly.
A compelling and intriguing read, with a great setting and characters, that keeps the tension high throughout.
January 11, 2019
As I was reading this story, so much of it sounded as if it had been something I'd read before, yet different as well. I think this is due to the fact I had read some historical accounts, perhaps even the ones the author used as the basis of this story. Even so, I found it completely engaging, with many surprises thrown in along the journey.
I was especially engrossed in the the mix of old and new beliefs (for the time period) that was so much of the background of this story--beliefs that made people behave the way they did. Even today, you can find places in this world that hold onto the old superstitions and pagan beliefs, while still adhering to more modern religious beliefs. The author has shown this mix of beliefs in a most believable way. I could feel the fear of the villagers and the anguish of the reverend as he tries to sway the people to his way of thinking.
A statement in the story summed this up well for me:
Asher sighs. “Men are so terrified of new ideas. So afraid to see the world in a different light. I never understood why. But now I do. Now I see how your entire existence is upturned when you realise you’ve been believing a lie.”
But who is believing a lie in this story? Is it only the man pulled from the shipwreck? Or the entire village.
The story is well-written and completely engaging. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I was especially engrossed in the the mix of old and new beliefs (for the time period) that was so much of the background of this story--beliefs that made people behave the way they did. Even today, you can find places in this world that hold onto the old superstitions and pagan beliefs, while still adhering to more modern religious beliefs. The author has shown this mix of beliefs in a most believable way. I could feel the fear of the villagers and the anguish of the reverend as he tries to sway the people to his way of thinking.
A statement in the story summed this up well for me:
Asher sighs. “Men are so terrified of new ideas. So afraid to see the world in a different light. I never understood why. But now I do. Now I see how your entire existence is upturned when you realise you’ve been believing a lie.”
But who is believing a lie in this story? Is it only the man pulled from the shipwreck? Or the entire village.
The story is well-written and completely engaging. I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 25, 2019
This tale set in Cornwall draws on the tales of smugglers, sailing the high seas and evading the Revenue men as they bring their contraband back to land.
Scarlett Bailey and her older brother Isaac are in the thick of the free trade as smuggling is known, shackled to it by their father's debts to the head smuggling honcho in the area. One night, a ship wrecks in the bay below their village and Scarlett plucks a sole survivor from the doomed ship.
The man she saves is a liar and a fantasist, suffering from delusions of his own greatness. He's a man following a fairytale and full of secrets and lies. Despite Scarlett seeing him through rose-tinted glasses, he upends her life, shattering memories and splintering relationships.
The story is atmospheric, with the local vicar and publican stoking the superstitions and fears of the locals to help the smugglers hide their ill-gotten gains without being seen. The novel brings out how easy it was for simple, uneducated people of the time to fall victim to irrational beliefs and superstitions.
The author writes in the present tense, which gives an immediacy to the story. This is the first in a series and it's done enough for me to pick up the prequel and the sequel. I'll be tumbling back into the world of 18th century Cornish smugglers.
Scarlett Bailey and her older brother Isaac are in the thick of the free trade as smuggling is known, shackled to it by their father's debts to the head smuggling honcho in the area. One night, a ship wrecks in the bay below their village and Scarlett plucks a sole survivor from the doomed ship.
The man she saves is a liar and a fantasist, suffering from delusions of his own greatness. He's a man following a fairytale and full of secrets and lies. Despite Scarlett seeing him through rose-tinted glasses, he upends her life, shattering memories and splintering relationships.
The story is atmospheric, with the local vicar and publican stoking the superstitions and fears of the locals to help the smugglers hide their ill-gotten gains without being seen. The novel brings out how easy it was for simple, uneducated people of the time to fall victim to irrational beliefs and superstitions.
The author writes in the present tense, which gives an immediacy to the story. This is the first in a series and it's done enough for me to pick up the prequel and the sequel. I'll be tumbling back into the world of 18th century Cornish smugglers.
June 25, 2018
Johanna Craven is one of my favorite historical fiction writers and I couldn’t be more excited about this newest release of hers! Her writing is always so vivid and powerful that it places you right in the middle of the action, where ships wreck and mysterious strangers are found amongst the debris; where curses seem to still have their power over people, and pirates’ treasures aren’t a fruit of one’s imagination. Scarlett was a wonderful central character - strong, willful, and determined; but secondary characters were just as interesting and real, starting with Scarlett’s brother Isaac - an unwilling smuggler, to Asher, who has his own secret agenda, and finally to Flora, who’s trying to rebuild her life after her husband’s death and come to terms with her true self. Reading this book was like watching a movie - that’s how masterfully the author paints the scenes before your eyes. Dark and haunting, this first book in the series is a true treat for all fans of the genre. And I already can’t wait for the second book in the series.
April 3, 2019
In the harsh Cornwall countryside of the mid-1700s, Scarlett lives with her brother and his wife as they struggle against poverty and living under the boot of a smuggler. Their story intertwines with Flora, a would-be inn keeper and healer, whose husband died in a cave-in several years earlier. When Scarlett rescues the sole survivor of a doomed ship, all the secrets, lies, and betrayals come to a head in this small English village.
I enjoyed this story. The characters were well-developed and I felt like I knew who they were and the conflict was organic. I felt like I was transported back to Cornwall and into the bitter lives of the characters. It often reminded me of the TV show Poldark, but from the point-of-view of the the downtrodden. We think our lives our bleak now, but these people got hammered on a daily basis.
The ending felt like it kind of dropped off, but that was probably because the author was setting things up for the next book.
But overall, really well done.
I enjoyed this story. The characters were well-developed and I felt like I knew who they were and the conflict was organic. I felt like I was transported back to Cornwall and into the bitter lives of the characters. It often reminded me of the TV show Poldark, but from the point-of-view of the the downtrodden. We think our lives our bleak now, but these people got hammered on a daily basis.
The ending felt like it kind of dropped off, but that was probably because the author was setting things up for the next book.
But overall, really well done.
July 8, 2018
This is an amazing book by Ms Craven. Starting the story with a ship crashing into port seemingly empty, the tales of what happened aboard changing through different persepctives and Scarlett seemingly the heroine even as the story continues and you start to suspect there's something more to the man aboard. Even then you don't get the full story until the final climax which packs a punch, completely out of nowhere and a brilliant end to the first in a trilogy. I adored the writing, the history, the snippets of truth from the past. A brilliant book and one I would love to re-read. Highly recommended!
June 18, 2018
I KNEW I WAS IN FOR A TREAT
Having Read Music from Standing Waves some time ago, I knew I was in for a treat when I noticed another book by Craven. Reminiscent of Frenchman’s Creek, this is a story of smuggling in Cornwell centuries ago. The plot was excellent with satisfying twists and turns, the characters lived vividly and the writing flowed seamlessly. I particularly liked the addition of the superstitious beliefs held at that time. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it is well worth the 5 stars.
Having Read Music from Standing Waves some time ago, I knew I was in for a treat when I noticed another book by Craven. Reminiscent of Frenchman’s Creek, this is a story of smuggling in Cornwell centuries ago. The plot was excellent with satisfying twists and turns, the characters lived vividly and the writing flowed seamlessly. I particularly liked the addition of the superstitious beliefs held at that time. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it is well worth the 5 stars.
July 27, 2018
This is such an intense, involving read. Bridles Lane is a tale of smugglers, secrets, and a harbour town that may be harboring ghosts! There is danger and suspense in this historical fiction story. The dialogue is intriguing and revealing, as the plot moves forward to unravel many family and town secrets. I ejoyed this book and couldn't help but sympathize with its flawed characters. Though the ending was a little bit of a cliffhanger, I still found it to be a satisfying conclusion to this installment in the series.
September 9, 2018
Since Halloween is soon approaching, BRIDLES LANE may be the perfect book to pick up. An abandoned mystery ship, curses, smugglers, graveyards and elaborate exorcisms are served up in this dark and haunting tale that is filled with interesting characters, dialogue and a tight writing style that keeps your undivided attention. Taking place in Cornwall, England in the 1740's, the atmosphere and vivid descriptions are guaranteed to raise those little bumps on your arms. I highly recommend this exhilarating read.
October 14, 2018
I'm so glad I discovered this author! This is a wonderful book, and I look forward to reading more in the series. The characters are interesting, realistic, and believable, and the setting of a small harbor town is mysterious and unique. I got hooked from the very beginning when I read about a woman who risked her own life to enter a shipwreck and pull out a wounded man. And that's just the beginning. What follows is a well-crafted tale of contraband hidden in a church, superstitions, and complicated family relationships. The writing is tight, sharp, and compelling. Highly recommended!
August 18, 2018
If you love historical fiction, the blurb will be enough to captivate you. But don’t stop there. Craven’s writing is incredibly powerful and intense. If you love also watching historical fiction like I do, you’ll find you can actually see the story in your mind and feel it in your soul. The descriptions are so vivid they give you goosebumps and your heart just beats fast. It’s an atmosphere that exists in that era and it takes a lot of talent to be able to express it.
January 26, 2019
This storyline is up there with one of my favorite smuggler tales (Daphne DuMaurier's Jamaica's Inn)....It's a cauldron of dark, fast-moving twisted plotlines, romance and superstitious witch-hunting. The author writes in an easy-to-read style fleshing out the characters, their dialogue and the surroundings beautifully. If you have several 'me' hours you might want to indulge yourself with this book.
October 28, 2019
Free Traders above the law:
High adventure in ‘Poldark country’. Flotsam and jetsam of the highest order, including humans, are cast up on and live along the Cornish coastline. High appeal for those who love a smuggling adventure with superstitions galore: smuggling runs and hunting ghosts. Outlandish tales become truths. The characters are believable, albeit mostly oppressed and exploited. Lots of short sentences that keep the action turning. First of series.
High adventure in ‘Poldark country’. Flotsam and jetsam of the highest order, including humans, are cast up on and live along the Cornish coastline. High appeal for those who love a smuggling adventure with superstitions galore: smuggling runs and hunting ghosts. Outlandish tales become truths. The characters are believable, albeit mostly oppressed and exploited. Lots of short sentences that keep the action turning. First of series.
July 13, 2018
Fantastic! This novel is lyrical and mesmerizing, tempestuous as the sea. Craven takes you into a world of 1740 Cornwall England with brilliant characters, ghostly myth, and the darkness and yearnings of human hearts. The atmosphere hunkers over you like a brooding desire and the ending make you want more. West Country Trilogy promises to be Craven's masterpiece.
September 4, 2019
I've read a number of similar books set in the west country involving smuggling and pirating. This story has some interesting twists along the way. The question of who to trust is a recurring theme that doesn't get old and right to the end there are some niggling doubts but to say more might mean some spoilers! An entertaining read.
May 17, 2020
I received a review copy of this audiobook.
The story was interesting and engaging. The characters felt nuanced. The story presents an interesting perspective on the interaction of Faith & Science.
The narration of the audio was too tense for my taste. The effect was similar to a monotone reading, in that everything had the same emotional impact.
The story was interesting and engaging. The characters felt nuanced. The story presents an interesting perspective on the interaction of Faith & Science.
The narration of the audio was too tense for my taste. The effect was similar to a monotone reading, in that everything had the same emotional impact.
January 2, 2023
superstitious fictional history
It’s hard to judge this book I didn’t like the story. A story of pain and misery caused by a parent’s choices. Just dark and dreary. It seems well written as far as structure, editing, etc but the story is just dark and dreary with ignorant superstition
It’s hard to judge this book I didn’t like the story. A story of pain and misery caused by a parent’s choices. Just dark and dreary. It seems well written as far as structure, editing, etc but the story is just dark and dreary with ignorant superstition
November 28, 2018
A beautifully writen story of a shipwreck, a rescue and what it leads to in a small village.It makes you feel as thou you are there! Rebecca McKernan was an excellent narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
November 21, 2020
What a good read! Couldn't put it down! So much mystery, sailing and pirates, superstition, wild weather, interesting characters who gain some self-knowledge thru the story -- I wanted to go right into the next book in the trilogy and may do that.
July 4, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I would recommend. I just the first book of a series Bridles Lane and will read the rest of the series. I enjoyed her writing and the characters twist and rurns
April 2, 2019
Enjoyable
Great story with plenty of depth too it's writing and characters. Interesting take on smugglers and village life back in those days. Looking forward to reading more books
Great story with plenty of depth too it's writing and characters. Interesting take on smugglers and village life back in those days. Looking forward to reading more books
December 1, 2019
A classic Style
Johanna Craven delivers the story of Scarlett and Isaac through a classic style the brings to life the coastal cultures of Europe.
Johanna Craven delivers the story of Scarlett and Isaac through a classic style the brings to life the coastal cultures of Europe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews