I am a big fan of historical fiction and synod book did not disappoint. It follows various branches of the Strong family from Barbados in the early years of the 19th century through to the middle of the century and generally manages to keep track of all the well rounded characters. I enjoyed Tom’s story in particular and thought that the ultimate reveal of Jasper’s fate was very well written.

However I would also liked to have known more about Viola and Otis, and the intervening years, and the dynamics of their relationship. The book skips a lot of years in order to get to the events of later on, which I do understand from a plot point of view, but it would have been good to follow Jeb’s character development as well.

There are a few continuity and timing issues, such as the ages of the 3 brothers. For example Otis was 21 in the first chapter, and Jeb is his younger brother. Emmanuel’s children, Horatia and Nelson were already born by this point, and later in the book their ages were given as 21 and 23. In which case the brothers would have only been in their late thirties, early forties at the most. And yet they behave and are treated as though they are considerably older. For this reason I’ve knocked a star off my rating. However I did enjoy the book overall and will be reading the rest of the series.

I was surprised at this book. The description sounded interesting and when I started the book I was afraid it was going to be another boring read, but to my surprised it turned out to be quite interesting. What Blanche went through, though to be quite honest most of it was her own naivety, while trying to figure out who her father was and how to handle the changes in her life were amazing.

The cast of characters were well defined and yet left enough for you to imagine. The story line took several twists & turns so you were never quite sure of what was gonna happen or when it was gonna happen. It also raises the issues that came with the abolishment of the slaves in the indies and how they were treated.

If you want a nice relaxing read that will keep you interested then I do recommend this book. I plan on reading the rest of the series once the books are out. Enjoy it, I did.

I found this book really hard to get into but slowly it started to draw me in..the characters began to come alive. The various parts of history, the lives off the slavers, slaves, the start of the industrial revolution were incorporated into the story.
I'm now intrigued how the characters progress in life.

This is a gritty and complicated plot, so much is going on. It is a good story but there are one or two instances that are a little disappointing. Poor Tom Strong seems to be kept running. His father is dying, his school on a ship is set fire to, he loves Blanche, etc. Blanche is also having a hard time. She is the nurse for four children, part-time governess and she is in love with him. His, sort of stepsister, is in love with him. but because of where he is from they don't feel he is good enough and he feels the same way. She really likes Conrad but does not love him. Of course they both asked for hand in marriage. The characters are fleshed out nicely. You can tell their love, hate, and anger, to name a few.. Jed lost his wife and three children to the plague, he was devastated. He kept going, as we all must do. It was very emotional in some spots. But was also very happy in others. Walls are climbed, bare-knuckle fighting, all kinds of things they are forced to go thru to come out on just some of their families secrets.

Absolutely brilliant
This is the first of a trilogy and when you finish reading it you are craving for more just can’t wait.
The story surrounds the Strong family a wealthy family from Bristol with plantations in Barbados.
It starts when three drunken wealthy brothers staying at their fathers plantation are offered a beautiful slave. The consequences of their actions have far reaching effects for their family and many years to come.
Five stars can’t recommend it higher

What a twisted web some people weave! The first chapter is dark and disturbing and sets the scene for the rest of the novel. The catalyst of what happens to one woman shows how society treats all women at that time and it’s very sad and tragic to read. I can’t say I liked any of the Strong family at this point.

But then the story takes us to Bristol where the family have a rich home and are based and the story takes on even more twists and turns than you might imagine. The themes in this novel are quite dark and unsettling but this first novel is the first of a trilogy so there’s going to be some unraveling and more twists.

The destinations are evoked in style but I have to admit I wanted to stay a bit more in Barbados and get some justice for the women there. It was nice to be in Bristol to find out about the sugar and shipping industry instead of London. More scene setting to come I hope

I will be coming back for parts two and three!

I read a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!!

Where do I begin?! Oh this one is a twisted web of family secrets and tragedies! I loved every minute of it and it ended only too soon! I want more.
Erica Brown had obviously mastered the "shrink a century" technique. This novel spanned two (or three) generations of a very wealthy, well-to-do family. There was an almost forbidden "romance" from the very beginning and additional romances peppered throughout the storyline. Within the family, of course, there were conflicting attitudes and intentions involving business matters and the place and/or treatment of both women gentry and servants in general. Two complimentary settings provided amazing backdrops for the events occurring in each. One was sweltering and exotic Barbados, and the other was damp and nearly unwelcoming England. It was a struggle to put this book down! The last sentence hinted at a sequel and I eagerly anticipate reading another episode from the lives of these well-developed, relatable characters.
Thank you to Canelo Digital Publishing for approving me to read this title.