Rich in historical detail, this is a cleverly crafted plot that will have you slipping into the world of Robert and Catherine with loyalties and betrayal. Very well written.
Many thanks to The Book Whisperer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

One of my personal goals this year is to expand my Historical Fiction reading to times other than WW2, which are currently wildly popular.

When given the change to read The Rippon Spurrier set in the 1500's during the time of Queen Elizabeth 1 and the religious crusades, I jumped at it. I know nothing of this time period and clearly was not paying any attention in my History class as a kid. So I didn't have any dots connected for me during this read as most others probably will if you were listening in your History class.

However, the story itself was great! Completely enjoyable in that the characters felt real, the challenges of the time period were expertly documented by the author and written in such a way that I just fell into the story.

If Historical Fiction is your thing and you are looking for a well-written story, The Rippon Spurrier should be on your list!!

Thank you to #TheBookWhisperer and #NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

A magnificent historical narrative and a very
captivating tapestry of Tudor England and the political shenanigans between Queen Bess and her cousin Mary Stuart.

Cleverly plotted and blessed with a vast cast of exquisitely drawn characters this very entertaining novel was an absolute delight from start to finish!

Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Book Whisperer for this terrific ARC

I don’t know this author, but based on this book, I’ll certainly look for more. By C J Richardson. The Rippon Spurrier is packed with historic detail about the conflict between Mary and Elizabeth and the plot to put Mary on the English throne and ensure Catholicism and a Catholic monarch. These were violent and turbulent times. People feared for their lives and loyalties were divided. Political intrigue abounds and people were conflicted by faith and religious divides.

Many books about this period are from the point of the courtiers and nobles. This depiction takes the reader into the lives of the more humble and ordinary people and examines the impact of rebellion and divided loyalty. It’s rich in historic detail and the characters feel real. You never know who will be betrayed next and sense the constant threat and fear. I was drawn into this turbulent Tudor world and found this a truly compelling page Turner.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

Very interesting story. Nice narrative style. It's good to have a chance to read a story about so turbulent time in history not from famous people point of view but witnessed by lower classes, people who had limited choices and most of the time perished accused for wrongdoings their never committed.

The Rippon Spurrier by C. J. Richardson is a fascinating piece of historical fiction based on the repercussions of King Henry VIII’s rejection of the Catholic faith and church and those who tried to put Mary, Queen of the Scots on the throne.

As a gifted spurrier Robert Grey, the proud son of the late Alfred Gray jumped at the chance to march in a rebellion against the heretic Queen Elizabeth. His father had been part of the rebellion against King Henry's rejection of the Catholic Church. As his father before him, he was a man determined to fight for his Catholic faith.

And now Catherine, his beloved wife and his unborn child are threatened as danger swirls around them. His lifelong friend turns against him and his father’s mysterious death haunts his nights. Robert must uncover the secrets of the past. It’s staying alive to do so that’s the problem when there are those who wish those secrets to stay buried. To save their family, friendships, and honor he and Catherine are forced to fight with all their might.

I was immediately transported in time to this turbulent world where loyalties are tested and betrayal lurks behind every corner. Men are divided in loyalties and those who have held fast to their Catholic faith have been stripped of the positions within the realm.

This book is a wonderful depiction of the strife, betrayal, danger, fear and secrets that have divided the people of both England and Scotland. As the author breathes life into her characters, they are multi faceted and drawn with such realism. The multiple perspectives from which it is written give the reader perceptive insight into the motivations and machinations of the characters. Both Robert and Catherine work so well together strengthening and fortifying one another with love, courage, bravery and wisdom. They stand united in their convictions and you are compelled to root for them every dangerous step of the way.

The author has done an amazing job with her descriptive language and world building, it’s almost like a cinematic view. As I was drawn into the story I could feel the fear of these dangerous times that permeated the pages. The dialogue was smart and so apropos to the characters personalities and the situations encountered. This fantastic story was grounded in her impeccable research and skillfully excellent writing ability and she brings it to life beautifully!

Thank you so much Ms. Richardson for this fascinating and breathtaking story!

The Rippon Spurrier, by C J Richardson, is an interesting bit of historical fiction about the people behind trying to put Mary Queen of Scots on the English Throne. The story focuses on Robert Gray, his wife, Catherine and their involvement in the rebellion. You can't help but root for them as you read about their travels from camp to camp and the different nobility and details involved. Unfortunately, there's plenty of bad guys involved, too.
Robert, a renowned spurrier, had always been a proud son. to the late Alfred Gray. His father had been part of the rebellion against King Henry's rejection of the Catholic Church. Being a Catholic meant that he had to hide his faith while being true to the Holy Father.
Now Robert's been given the opportunity to march with his master in a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, the heretic Queen. Getting his chance to defend his faith is the opportunity he's dreamt of until now. What he doesn't realize is that his dream threatens his family's life and could very well destroy England..