The Honey and the Sting

Before reading this novel, I only knew the basics about the assassination of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham in 1628.
I remembered that he was a favorite of James I and later of Charles I, before being assassinated pretty early into Charles’ reign. This book, made it possible to imagine a plausible story behind this historical event.
Hester, Melis and Hope are three sisters, each one unique in her own way and each one has a heavy burden to bear…
Nine years before the events described in this book, Hester gives birth to George’s son and immediately banished from service in his household. She raises their son quietly with her sisters at her side, tries to make ends meet as best as she can. When George decides to claim his son against Hester’s wishes, the sisters are left with no choice but to flee for their lives.
What follows is an amazing story of manhunt, betrayal, murder, resillience and courage that blends facts with fiction. We will probably never know the real story, so this version is a good choice.
My advice, don’t Google George Villiers until you are finished with this book in order to avoid spoilers!!!

Set in the 1600s, this is a story about a strong mother willing to do everything in her power to stop her son being taken away from her. But George Villiers is a powerful man and always gets what he wants and with a bunch of his men helping him, how can Hester ever win against him?

Luckily, her sisters are always on her side. The three sisters have lived together on their own with Hester’s son ever since their parents passed away, with the help of Ambrose – her father’s dearest friend. Together, they hatch a plan to keep Rafe safe.

Each sister has their own strength: Hester is quick thinking and resourceful, Melis has visions of the future and Hope has her beauty. They must each use their skillsets to keep Rafe hidden from Villiers’ men. This becomes a challenge for Melis and Hope as their strengths become their weaknesses in the outside world…

On the run, none of the family feel safe but needs must, because Hester has her own secret weapon against Villiers and if she can get it into the right hands, she won’t only be saving her family, she’ll be helping England.

Set in the idealic English countryside, Fremantle manages to create a unique balance in her tale that brings soothing landscapes as the background to a plot that is unraveling with rapid momentum. At times I found myself lulled into a false sense of calmness by the peaceful locations the sisters find themselves in, and then I’m quickly pulled out of that zone by a surge of adrenaline as the threat of Villiers’ men becomes imminent again. It’s a truly captivating story without a doubt!

The Honey and The Sting is a beautiful, moving and enchanting read that will remind us how powerful a mother’s love for their child is. It’s both complex and heartfelt.

Absolutely loved this Stuart era historical thriller. The central female characters were so vividly drawn. The settings are eerily atmospheric, and the plot cleverly developed … leading the reader to the satisfying conclusion of the final sting.

I could not put this book down! I read into the night. Such an unusual tale of three sisters and their troubles during the reign of Charles I. Thoroughly recommend!

A very exciting book, well written and drags you headlong into the brilliant story.

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