Red Winter Journey

by Paul Rushworth-Brown

AN HISTORIC JOURNEY OF TWISTS AND ADVENTURE WITH A DASH OF SPIRITED PASSION.

A tale of a peasant family caught in the ravages of the English Civil War in 1642. A young man, Tommy Rushworth, tries to stay alive after being absconded into the Parliamentary Army and taken off to war. Thomas Rushworth Snr is racing against time to save his son from imminent death in a war he wanted no part of.




Back in Haworth, Tommy's mother despairs, waiting news of the fate of her son and husband. Through the turmoil and suffering, William and Lucy, develop their own love story and are tested to the limit by the persecution of the steward of the manor who conspires to sabotage their future.




The bloody hell of war and the saga of family tribulations drive this period drama with exceptional narrative and factual accuracy of the talented author who penned SKULDUGGERY and is becoming one of Australia's established new authors.




"A dark and dramatic prose of family and war that brings the realism of history to your imagination with little effort...a great read..." Barry, Indiebook reviewer

Genres: Whodunit, Mystery, Medieval, Coming Of Age, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure

451 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2022

About the author

Paul's novels are authentic and gritty, with twists and turns the reader won't see coming. He paints a realistic image of how peasants would have lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, that is only the backdrop to suspenseful and mysterious stories with romantic tones https://amzn.to/3vRFWoI . His novel 'Red Winter Journey' has been nominated for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards (Christina Stead Prize for fiction). His new novel Dream of Courage has been long-listed for the Historical Fiction Club’s Book of the Year Award and will be released in November.
Paul has been a guest on ABC, BBC, and America Tonight with Kate Delaney and regularly features on the Witty Writers Show in the US. The US Times https://bit.ly/3ZXOfNT said, 'Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown does this with great skill in his accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novels.' https://bit.ly/3irmtII

Reviews

[Clare Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. To be honest I am not one for reading books about war but this was more about family and a father and grandfathers journey (at times dramatic but at other times light and funny) to find Tommy who had been kidnapped into the war. There is a parallel story looking back in time at a love story which works nicely against some of the more somber war tales.

The book really started to take off for me about half way through when I couldn't put it down. I was dying to know how and if Tommy would make it back home to Haworth. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres as I love learning about the different places and people in history with a backdrop of true events such as here in the English civil war.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 17th-century England, two travellers try to cross the rugged Pennines during a harshly cold winter. The formidable John Hargreaves and Thomas Rushworth are all more than they seem. They face roadblocks, weather, and the battle of Bradford all in an attempt to get Thomas' son back who has been taken by the Parliamentary army.

Partly a medieval historical novel and partly a story of a father's love for his son. An off-shoot to the tale is seasoned with strong lashings of forbidden love and coming-of-age. Hard to pigeonhole, this novel keeps you on edge with surprises and twists to see if Tommy makes it home. The language creates an authentic feel and the descriptions of the winter wonderland are well written. The story starts slowly but gradually builds until the racing plot keeps the pages turning.

The shocking but satisfying resolution does not quite end the story. There is a second ending that is more interesting and totally unpredictable. The reader who has become engaged with these characters will want more.

This book is highly recommended, even for those who don’t usually like this type of thing. Give it a try.

[Sean Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rushworth-Brown has a great gift for making a distant time come to life. This tale is a deeply moving one and the reader cannot help but empathise for not only Tommy, but his poor peasant family. At first glimpse, I thought this novel was a story about the English Civil War, but it goes much deeper. It's a story of a boy overcoming harsh challenges and becoming a man. Thomas' brother William's love story, is a fascinating change of pace and provides insight into feudal complications associated with class. I liked the twists to the story and the ending was a surprise that I didn't expect. Definitely worth the read.

[Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing that a story actually happened — or is at least loosely based on something that happened — somehow makes it so much more intriguing and powerful. Rushworth-Brown carefully navigates the backdrop of the English Civil War, populating it with likable and despicable characters, and casting them in a fully realised historical setting. It's a slice of history that's totally, utterly believable, and unbelievable. The twists surprised and the ending was totally unexpected even for the most astute of readers.

[Paul Rushworth-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The history of these people is rarely thought of and even less rarely written about because there are few records as most would have been illiterate. There is much written about the nobles but what about the common people. At the time, 85% of people were peasants and yet their story is often untold."
Red Winter Journey is a story that twists, turns and surprises until the very end. If you like, adventure and intrigue with a dash of spirited love, then you will be engrossed by this tale of a peasant family, living on the moors of Yorkshire, unexpectedly caught up in the ravages of the English Civil War in 1642. This novel is something different that people have been waiting for and will be loved by those interested in historical fiction with a twist.
Follow the exploits and adventures of young Tommy Rushworth. Will he stay alive after being absconded into the Parliamentary Army as a pikeman. Does Tommy survive the wooden horse, the brutal winter, the Battle of Tadcaster, Typhus, and escape from the Royalist spies to get home?

[Authur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was recommended to me by a friend. Paul Rushworth-Brown has done a remarkable job of weaving contemporary sources and scholarly evidence into the touching story of Thomas Rushworth and his journey to find his son Tommy who has been kidnapped and forced to go to war. The forbidden love Lucy and William share is almost painful in its intensity. John Hargreaves is an appealing, fully drawn character who grows and ripens as the story progresses. Rushworth-Brown writes heavy in dialogue and description, and the characters he creates are mighty creatures with distinct voices. Though slow to start, the pacing picks up and I couldn't wait to find out.. Rushworth-Brown has a brilliant grasp of the details of the day-to-day lives of these Yorkshire farmers, and he weaves them seamlessly into the text. Red Winter Journey is a great study of a character in conflict and a recommended read for lovers of history.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is not usually a genre that I go for, however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was especially impressed by the time and amount of research that must have gone into planning and writing in such great, factual detail. I learnt so much about England during that time period and appreciated all of the smaller details that went into helping set the scene for the reader. I got through this book really quickly as I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to Tommy and if he would make it back to his family after being kidnapped and forced to fight in the war. There are numerous twists and turns throughout that leave you desperately wanting to know what happens next. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although at face value Red Winter Journey is a simple entertaining romp full of break-neck action and laconic wit, some sophisticated use of language has gone into creating its authentically vintage flavour. Rushworth-Brown does not dilly-dally with the usual pleasantries but tells it the way it was like a literary shock jock. Fortunately, the story has a tender side with romance and a loving father searching for his son. His descriptions of the Yorkshire winter are tremendous, and the twisting plot puts the reader on edge. Well worth the read!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling and provocative historical novel with the most wonderfully realised sense of place and time. As England begins to tip into the English Civil War, a peasant family living on the moors of Yorkshire tries to deal with the threat of coming hostilities. Uncertainty spreads across every page creating a two-tone fear of what is to come They try to ignore the threat until their youngest son is taken to fight. Author Paul Rushworth-Brown writes with such exquisite grace, yet has the ability to send goosebumps skittering. Here he has created an absolutely fascinating blend of historical, mysterious fiction where the echos of the past desperately warn against the mistakes of today.. The themes of impending war with expanding human atrocities, and the uncanny presence within the house intensify the sense of danger after Tommy’s father and grandfather go on a perilous journey to bring him home. The fear and hesitation felt by Isabel (Tommy's young wife) and Agnes (His mother) help to create a link and understanding of how easily a collective of people can slip into utter horror. There is an edge to the characters, each has an element that is hard to grasp yet I lived alongside and felt as though I was a part of them. This clever, bold, intensely fierce writing felt incredibly powerful as it hammered at my awareness. Red Winter Journey is an achingly compelling novel that slices into hearts and minds with beautiful authority.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare find indeed.

I knew by the blurb I'd be reading an historic tale but never did I imagine being transported back to 1642 as if I had lived in that day and age myself.

What a brilliant adventure, loaded with twists, turns and characters that you can't help to fall in love with on their journey. Tommy's character development was superb and well-paced throughout the book.

As much as I love the main characters, I thought the supporting characters were just as well defined and added to the narrative.

I have to say I was looking for something I haven't read before and I most certainly found it. The drama that permeates through this entire book most definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, but what I adored most was how accurate and articulated the time period is written, down to the tiniest of colloquialisms that I hadn't heard of before.

You can most definitely tell the authors knowledge of this time period was thoroughly researched - and it certainly made me miss old English!

Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

England 1642. Different allegiances drive civil war between the King and Parliament. Red Winter Journey a sweeping tale of adventure and loss, sacrifice and love, with a unique and unforgettable story of a boy becoming a man. The novel was long-listed for the Historical Fiction Company's book of the year 2022, which is why I was drawn to it. Mere nomination indicates the supreme quality of the plot, characterization, and narration, which was spot on. You can most definitely tell the author's knowledge of this time period. It was thoroughly researched. The off-shoot love story was a very interesting look into peasants courting and marrying in the 17th century. The writing had some comical crudeness, which was different but probably true and made me smile. Definitely worth the read, but allow the plot to thicken.

[Authur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Rushworth-Brown has created an absolutely fascinating blend of historical, mysterious fiction where the echos of the past desperately warn against the mistakes of today.. The themes of impending war with expanding human atrocities, and the uncanny presence within the house intensify the sense of danger after Tommy’s father and grandfather go on a perilous journey to bring him home. The fear and hesitation felt by Isabel (Tommys young wife) and Agnes (His mother) helps to create a link and understanding of how easily a collective of people can slip into utter horror. There is an edge to the characters, each has an element that is hard to grasp yet I lived alongside and felt as though I was a part of them

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Winter Journey is an interesting blend of historical fiction and non-fiction - two distinct books that don't always mesh but when they do, they work really well. The facts instruct the story and the main narrative drives the book forward, so it does work, though at times the exposition did feel like it held back the pacing. The characters are compelling and I want to read more about them; I had more than a few moments of worrying over their fates. It's also an expansive, descriptive and evocative depiction of the times which would be great reading for anyone who is a fan of deep-dive historical fiction.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although at face value Red Winter Journey is a simple entertaining romp full of break-neck action and laconic wit, some sophisticated use of language has gone into creating its authentically vintage flavour. Rushworth-Brown does not dilly-dally with the usual pleasantries but tells it the way it was like a literary shock jock. Fortunately, the story has a tender side with romance and a loving father searching for his son. His descriptions of the Yorkshire winter are tremendous, and the twisting plot puts the reader on edge. Well worth the read!

[Lauren Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Winter Journey is an historical fiction that seems exceptionally well researched. The author has done an incredible job of immersing the reader into the world and almost no detail is left unmentioned.

This story is outside the genres I would often read and I found it a little slower to start but I feel that might be well suited to the style of story and world.

If you have enjoy historical fiction and familial relationships, this one could be for you!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Winter journey is a turbulent tale of warfare, treachery, comradeship and love, action, memorable characters and delectably dry humour. Rushworth-Brown incorporates a wealth of detail without compromising the fast-paced narrative, writing with an immediacy which brings to vivid life a world that has long since passed into the shadows of history. (Includes a glossary for old names and places)

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has to be a kind of joke? There are so many errors in this it reads like an eight year old wrote it. I think we should put copies of it in all the maximum security prisons to punish offenders who have not suffered enough.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the start this book just swept me along. Didn’t want to put it down and couldn’t wait to pick it back up again. A highly recommended period drama with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I always enjoy the depth of social & political history which is steeped in a good story of human strength & frailty, the triumph of good over evil, and all the ends knotted together. Rushworth-Brown is a magnificent storyteller. Five stars to Mr Rushworth-Brown for an original and excellent story. Will certainly be exploring more of this author's books.
There is a great article here: bit.ly/3oicrMv

[Sean Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling and provocative historical novel with the most wonderfully realised sense of place and time. As England begins to tip into the English Civil War, a peasant family living on the moors of Yorkshire try to deal with the threat of coming hostilities. Uncertainty spreads across every page creating a two-tone fear of what is to come They try to ignore the threat until their youngest son is taken to fight. Author Paul Rushworth-Brown writes with such exquisite grace, yet has the ability to send goosebumps skittering. Here he has created an absolutely fascinating blend of historical, mysterious fiction where the echos of the past desperately warn against the mistakes of today.. The themes of impending war with expanding human atrocities, and the uncanny presence within the house intensify the sense of danger after Tommy’s father and grandfather go on a perilous journey to bring him home. The fear and hesitation felt by Isabel (Tommy's young wife) and Agnes (His mother) helps to create a link and understanding of how easily a collective of people can slip into utter horror. There is an edge to the characters, each has an element that is hard to grasp yet I lived alongside and felt as though I was a part of them. This clever, bold, intensely fierce writing felt incredibly powerful as it hammered at my awareness. Red Winter Journey is an achingly compelling novel that slices into hearts and minds with beautiful authority.

[Amanda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best reasons to read Red Winter Journey is that it brings history to life in a way that other historical novels can never do. Obviously, historical accuracy will vary and the writers don't know how these people felt, or what they said. What they can do, however, is make an educated guess; they make them human again. Paul Rushworth-Brown has done just this and brought people who have been dead for hundreds of years back to life. If you want a story of bodice-ripping, dairymaids-ravaged-by-lords then don't read this. This story is a family saga set in Yorkshire in the 17th century.
A sweeping tale of adventure and loss, sacrifice and love, with a unique and unforgettable story of a boy becoming a man at its heart.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling and provocative historical novel with the most wonderfully realised sense of place and time. As England begins to tip into the civil war in 1642, a simple peasant family living on the moors of Yorkshire tries to deal with the threat of coming hostilities. Uncertainty spreads across every page creating a two-tone fear of what is to come. They try to ignore the threat until their youngest son Tommy is taken to fight. Author Paul Rushworth-Brown writes with such exquisite grace, yet has the ability to send goosebumps skittering. Here he has created an absolutely fascinating blend of historical, mysterious fiction where the echos of the past desperately warn against the mistakes of today. The themes of impending war with expanding human atrocities, and the uncanny presence within the cottage intensify the sense of danger after Tommy’s father and grandfather go on a perilous journey to bring him home. The fear and hesitation felt by Isabel (Tommy's young wife) and Agnes (his mother) help to create a link and understanding of how easily a collective of people can slip into utter horror. There is an edge to the characters, each has an element that is hard to grasp yet I lived alongside and felt as though I was a part of them. This clever, bold, intensely fierce writing felt incredibly powerful as it hammered at my awareness. Red Winter Journey is an achingly compelling novel that slices into hearts and minds with beautiful authority.

[Amanda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Winter Journey is underpinned by rigorous research. Of course, like most works of fiction it is not necessarily the historical accuracy that keeps the reader hooked. Instead, it is Rushworth-Brown’s ability to construct likeable, or not, characters, and their interlinked relationships with and to each other that fascinates. Often, the author says just enough to make the reader want to find out more. Furthermore, the main character’s main attraction, to me anyway is what makes this particular ‘hero’ human. He does not always do or say the right thing, but it is his integrity which makes Tommy so appealing.

[Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing that a story actually happened — or is at least loosely based on something that happened — somehow makes it so much more intriguing and powerful. Rushworth-Brown carefully navigates the backdrop of the English Civil War, populating it with likable and despicable characters, and casting them in a fully realised historical setting. It's a slice of history that's totally, utterly believable, and unbelievable. The twists surprised and the ending was totally unexpected even for the most astute of readers.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping saga meticulously researched. A fascinating tale of the adventures of a peasant family in Yorkshire, England. Rushworth-Brown has a simple writing style with detailed descriptions that tend to characterize many longer novels. His characters are well-developed with baddies that you really love to hate. A masterpiece of storytelling.