5-STAR REVIEW: A NOBLE CUNNING: THE COUNTESS AND THE TOWER by Patricia Bernstein

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The Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

A thrilling tale, based on a true story, of one woman’s tremendous courage and incomparable wit in trying to rescue her husband from the Tower of London the night before he is to be executed.

The heroine of A Noble Cunning, Bethan Glentaggart, Countess of Clarencefield, a persecuted Catholic noblewoman, is determined to try every possible means of saving her husband’s life, with the help of a group of devoted women friends.

Amid the turbulence of the 1715 Rebellion against England’s first German king George I, Bethan faces down a mob attack on her home, travels alone from the Scottish Lowlands to London through one of the worst snowstorms in many years, and confronts a cruel king before his court to plead for mercy for her husband Gavin. As a last resort, Bethan and her friends must devise and put in motion a devilishly complex scheme featuring multiple disguises and even the judicious use of poison to try to free Gavin.

Though rich with historical gossip and pageantry, Bethan’s story also demonstrates the damage that politics and religious fanaticism can inflict on the lives of individuals.

The Review

Bethan Carlisle Glentaggart, the Countess of Clarencefield, demonstrates courage in standing up against adversity in 18th-century Scotland. She must rely on her wits to protect her children during religious persecution and rescue her husband before he is executed.

Based loosely upon a true story, author Patricia Bernstein delivers an action-packed historical fiction tale highlighting religious fanaticism during the time period in A Noble Cunning.

Rather than sit back after her husband is imprisoned after a Jacobite uprising, Bethan demonstrates how resourceful women can be. Her determination sets her apart from the stereotype that women during this time were only able to manage households and have children.

The sheer evil of mob mentality comes to life within the book, especially when men try to excuse their wrongdoing by quoting scripture. Bethan’s husband delivers a tasty dish of vengeance in that arena.

The storyline transports readers back to a time period brought to life by the author. The main characters are engaging as they navigate the many challenges, including a brutal snowstorm.

A Noble Cunning brings a little-known historical figure to life, celebrating the skills of a woman determined to save her man from execution. Buy Links

About The Author Native Texan Patricia Bernstein grew up in Dallas. After earning a Degree of Distinction in American Studies from Smith College, she founded her public relations agency in Houston. In 2018, her third book was named a Finalist for the Ramirez Family Award from the Texas Institute of Letters. The Austin American Statesman named the book to a list of 53 of the best books ever written about Texas. Patricia’s nonfiction was previously published by Simon & Schuster and Texas A&M University Press. Patricia lives in Houston with her husband, Alan Bernstein, where she pursues her other great artistic love, singing with Opera in the Heights and other organizations. She also basks in the glory of her three amazing daughters. A Noble Cunning is her debut novel.