Historic Novel Review

In the Shadow of My Truth
by Deborah Richmond Foulkes
ISBN-10: 1420813161
Review by Heather Froeschl

History comes to life and invites you to be entranced. "In the Shadow of My Truth" is the second epic novel by Deborah Richmond Foulkes in a series of three, that explore her family's history but also the great history of "The Good Sir James."

The legacy of William le Hardi, the martyred patriot of the first book, "My Truth Lies in the Ruins," is continued in the story of his sons, one of which is The Good Sir James himself. William's widow, Eleanora Lovaine Douglas, vows to fulfill her promise of continuing the fight for Scotland. She raises her sons to reflect the great values of her husband. The three grow up to be King Robert's greatest soldier and most trusted knight, a crusader knight and alchemist healer, and a dedicated squire in service to his older brother, Sir James. What's more is that they grow up to be an honor to their father and to Scotland.

The book begins in the year 1306 and follows to 1330. What it encompasses is a glimpse into the true history of the Clan Douglas and Scotland's Wars for National Independence. But the book holds so much more than that. Here you will see the majestic lifestyle of medieval castles with all the pomp and flourish, you will feel the points of swords in battle and see the death of soldiers all around, you will witness births, weddings and the crossings into the Otherworld. All in such a vivid manner that you will think you had experienced it yourself.

Deborah Richmond Foulkes spent two years in Scotland doing research and spent much time in the libraries of Harvard University and The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. I am quite sure that this is only a slight mention of the research involved, as this is the most authentic presentation of historical novel I have read. While this is so, the book reads so easily, so unlike a history book that you will forget that these are true stories and find yourself immersed in a very interesting tale. The plot runs smoothly while Foulkes' descriptive writing is flawless. You won't soon forget the Douglas Clan and will look forward to the next book in the series, "My Truth...A Mist in Time."

Historic Novel Review

MY TRUTH LIES IN THE RUINS
by DEBORAH RICHMOND FOULKES
ISBN-10: 1418412880
Review by Heather Froeschl

Never before have I been so deeply immersed in history. Like many modern girls I grew up with the fantasy image of a great white knight who would some day come for me. But this fantasy was built on true stories, one of which is exquisitely relayed in "My Truth Lies in the Ruins."

Having been a great fan of the movie "Braveheart" and the like I was thrilled to be able to review this epic tale of Scottish history. William Le Hardi Douglas, a Scottish Patriot and knight, healer and husband joined the forces of William Wallace for Scottish Independence. The book is not just a historic accounting of those times of war though; it is a story of love and life, adventure and murder.

I so appreciate thorough research and I dare say I have never before read a book so very well prepared. Deborah Foulkes has brought history to life and what's more, she has brought life to history. This is not your average novel of love, adventure and genealogy; it is a book that will immerse you in true historical fact, creating a very real experience.

The rear of the book includes a glossary of common terms as well as a "who's who" of historical figures that relate to the story. The text runs smoothly and the dialogue is natural. My only problem was in the lack of indentation when dialogue is used. However, this minor thing is far outweighed by the positive attributes of the book including the abundance of photographs that grace the text.

I look forward to reading the next installment, "In the Shadow of My Truth." Deborah Richmond Foulkes, led by Spirit, offers history lessons that will not soon be forgotten.