Jayne Swift has focused her life on being a physician, so she avoids offers of marriage. The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters starts out with Jayne trying to get through a rough crowd of execution gawkers so that she can get to her cousin's house to treat her sick nephew. She gets pushed into a doorway and ends up taking refuge there so that she doesn't get crushed by the crowd. This event brings her together with William Harrier, who appears to be a footman at the residence, although mysteriously may not be.

Unfortunately, I had difficulty with the PDF that I received through NetGalley so this slowed my reading progress of this novel. Overall, it is a really good story centred around the English civil war, the black death and the treatment of the ill at Lyme Regis. That said, I did find that it was overly descriptive in places which did impact my attention span (I admit to flipping pages to speed the story up). It is evident that a lot of research went into the development of this novel, although there were some actions that my not have been entirely consistent with the time period. I would highly recommend to readers who enjoy the English Civil War period and strong women characters.

As publisher, I requested this book as background reading for a review/article we ran on BookBrowse. Our reviewer rated it 4-stars

https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/reviews/index.cfm/ref/z9288320/the-swift-and-the-harrier#reviews
Beyond the Book:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/btb/index.cfm/ref/z9288320/the-swift-and-the-harrier#btb

Princess Fuzzypants here: I have read a number of this author’s thrillers and always enjoyed them. They are well written and engaging. So I was happy to try a new genre and I am so glad I did. I loved this book. The setting is a most fractious but interesting in English history when it was a toss up whether the Parliamentarians or the Royalists would prevail. Much of the country was split as happens in Civil Wars and that includes families.

Jayne belongs to one such family. She is an unusual heroine, a doctor, although not allowed to call herself such. She is neutral. She will help anyone who needs her skill regardless of their political persuasion. It is an uphill battle to gain acceptance and respect, including from her own family. But respect she does earn and her reputation is spread by word. She is summoned to the home of a lady who supports the Puritan cause. Here she meets a man, ostensibly a footman when they meet. It turns out he is far, far more than that. She is the Swift and he is the Harrier.

Throughout the course of the war, from battles to sieges from common folk to aristocracy, Jayne’s and William’s fame grow. Rather than being put off by her intelligence and independent mind, he is intrigued and you know they are destined to be together. The adventures apart and together are exciting and compelling. There are lots of interesting other characters but the two titular leads are wonderful. I do hope there might be further stories but for now I can give it a rousing five purrs and two paws up.

A tale taking place in England during the 1640s, follows Jayne Swift, a strong-headed physician who refuses to pick sides during the civil war. As she treats soldiers from both sides of the war, Swift continuously comes across William Harrier—a charming character who’s political opinion and persona seems to shift each time they meet.

I immediately fell in love with Jayne, she is witty, independent and so intelligent. William really is the perfect match for her, and the dialogue between the two was always entertaining. Even though this is a historical fiction, Walters incorporates a tasteful amount of gore. The historical aspects of the novel are well researched, and well written (something that I find to be very important as a previous history student lol).
I think my only gripe with this book was how long it was. I’m not typically one to shy away from a long novel, but I was definitely eager for the story to wrap up by the 500 page mark. But in the end, I’m glad I picked this one up, as it was well worth the read.

In full disclosure, I only made it a third of the way through "The Swift and the Harrier". It appears to be meticulously researched. It's well written. But, for me, it was boring. The characters seem wooden, and I found it incredibly confusing. This and other books by Ms. Walters get high marks, so it's probably just me.

P. S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

Encompassing the political and the personal, Minette Walters introduces a strong heroine in Jayne Swift as she portrays the brutality of the times. As a practicing physician in the 1640’s, Jayne treats all levels of society. When circumstances introduce her to Lady Strickland and put her in company of that lady’s footman, William, the war soon begins to impact Jayne and may even put her neutrality to the test.

William is a puzzle from the start, both for Jayne and the reader, as his identity and loyalties seem to shift with each encounter. As the years pass, they become more familiar with each other’s families and the conflicts within them, while Jayne experiences more of war and division as she defies the expectations of society to forge her own path.

The Swift and the Harrier is a riveting saga of war, family bonds, and a slow burning romance. The story spans the years of the English Civil War, with much of the middle seeming like a montage of character interactions against a background of historical events.

To my mind, the best historical fiction evokes a time and place, while telling a compelling story. It may also leave me at a loss to adequately describe it. With The Swift and the Harrier, Minette Walters does just that, while also creating memorable characters. This is one for the reread shelf, whether it is to revisit Jayne Swift or to re-experience this unfamiliar and brutal piece of history brought to life around her.

Highly recommended.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Jayne Swift trained as a physician but in 17th century England, women are not allowed to use the title of doctor. When civil war breaks out between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, Jayne strives to remain neutral, treating the injured on both sides. Her friendship with a mysterious man named William Harrier complicates her daily life - who is he and what role does he play? Which side is he on? Is he a spy? It becomes increasingly difficult for Jayne to remain neutral with her father and younger brothers fighting for the Royalists, and her older brother on the side of the Parliamentarians.

This is a well-researched novel regarding the English Civil War. The time period and descriptions of daily life, especially the roles of women at the time, are quite interesting. However, the war scenes, political discussions, and medical treatments become repetitious after a while, and the romance is very slow. Although we realize that she is supposed to be a progressive regarding medicine, some of Jayne's medical practices seem suspiciously 21st century. I am a fan of Walters' previous crime novels but not so fond of her historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.

The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters~
While all of England threatens for civil war, and everyone declares a side, Jayne Swift vows her neutrality. Her skills of a physician are in much need during this trying time and Jayne doesn’t allow politics to interfere. She offers aid to whomever and along the way cares for not only the rich but also the poor. On one such occasion she meets a man claiming to be a doorman but as their paths cross time and time again, Jayne realizes that people are not always as they seem.
An interesting read that I truly enjoyed! The story alone was enough to grab my attention, a woman doctor who sacrifices so much just for the common good but when you throw the main character in the midst of a few battles, it makes it that much better. The siege of Lyme was spectacularly described, the people who volunteered and bravely fought for their town were most admirable. They threw caution to the wind and offered their lives to save it all. This was such a great read-through it all, from the sieges to the operating procedures and even the soft moments in between. Highly recommended!

Gorgeous details but it moved a little slow for me. Still, it’s wonderful to see a different time period crop up in historical romance.

“Yet, in view of her dislike of war, she found it ironic that it was conflict that had allowed her skills to be appreciated. In peace, women were considered inferior, under siege, they were granted the same status and authority as men.”

THE SWIFT AND THE HARRIER
Thank you, NetGalley, Minette Walters, and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! It will release on July 12th, 2022.

I have had Minette Walter’s books on my shelf for a long time. I have her Black Death duology: The Last Hours, and The Turn of Midnight. In fact, they are on my Summer Reading List and I had intended to read them before jumping into The Swift and the Harrier. But, time is limited and so The Swift and the Harrier is my first Minette Walters book, but it will not be my last!

The book begins in England, in 1642. The Parliamentarians and Royalists are rising against each other in what would be known as the English Civil War. This civil war was mainly due to differences in governance and religious freedoms. At this time the Catholics were under attack in the never-ending rivalry between Protestants and Catholics. Jane Swift has refused all the suitors thrown her way and has been trained by a physician and has chosen the position of neutrality in the war. It doesn’t take long for her to make a name for herself and has come to the assistance of Lady Alice a staunch Parliamentarian but quite a force. This is how Jayne meets the footman, William Harrier. It is a dangerous time to choose a side and many families are split by their political views. Jayne is determined to stay neutral, but her heart is not.

This is such an immersive historical fiction! The book goes from the beginning of the English Civil War to the execution of the king. Since it goes through so much history, there are some moments that may feel repetitive or feel too long, but I actually enjoyed reading about the back-and-forth strategy and how it affected the people of England with the pillaging and battles. There are quite a few real historical figures that come into play in this book as well which always adds to the realism of the story.

It was fascinating to see Jayne in an unusual position for a lady at the time. Many women would sell home remedies to become midwives, but few, if any were actually trained. But Jayne’s knowledge becomes the centerpiece of this novel. For those looking for a love epic, that is more of a background plot. The true plot is Jayne using her knowledge whenever she can to help those around her even though she is deemed inferior. But throughout this novel, many men will come to see her value and worth.

Beautiful, immersive, compelling. This is not a light read but it pulls you in and sweeps you away. The seventeenth century comes to life in all its gruesome, heart-wrenching glory. The contrasting worldviews of the protagonists, against a backdrop of religious and class turmoil, holds a mirror up to our own political and social atmosphere. The relationship between Swift and Harrier is the golden thread that spans the chaotic years of the story. Both characters are well developed and draw the reader in. I did, however, find Swift's neutrality hard to believe. I would have found it much more believable if she evinced more inner conflict in her effort to remain neutral. That said, sometimes there simply is no 'good' side, which Walters illustrates adeptly.

Many thanks so Blackstone and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the ARC!

Dorset, 1642.
When bloody civil war breaks out between the king and Parliament, families and communities across England are riven by different allegiances.
A rare few choose neutrality.
One such is Jayne Swift, a Dorset physician from a Royalist family, who offers her services to both sides in the conflict. Through her dedication to treating the sick and wounded, regardless of belief, Jayne becomes a witness to the brutality of war and the devastation it wreaks.
Yet her recurring companion at every event is a man she should despise because he embraces civil war as the means to an end. She knows him as William Harrier, but is ignorant about every other aspect of his life. His past is a mystery and his future uncertain.
The Swift and the Harrier is a sweeping tale of adventure .
This is a book of treachery and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Jayne Swift in the heroine in Walters' new book The Swift and the Harrier. Set in 1642, Swift has trained as a physician and treats the local community.

As a civil war breaks out Swift seeks to retain neutrality. Filled with many ups and down, the book includes some romance as well.

Swift is a strong woman in what is essentially still a man's world. Stuck in the middle of two warring factions she faces multiple challenges.

Walters is a writer who knows how to wring every last drop out of language and narrative

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love reading books about doctors (going to med school, myself), and I do enjoy a historical romance (surprisingly little of that here). However, I found this soooo difficult to get into. The beginning dragged on and on. The writing was very dry and monotone.

I cannot speak to the accuracy of the details regarding the English Civil War because I didn't remember much about that from taking AP Euro (minus remembering who Oliver Cromwell is). I did enjoy that those historical figures made an appearance as actual characters in this novel.

As someone who is very politically motivated, I just could not jive with the ever-present theme of neutrality and passivity in this book. I suppose I was warned in the synopsis, but it started to irritate me the more I read.

This is not my usual genre, but I wanted to give it a try anyway. I wish I had left it alone. In just the first 50 pages or so, the tone bounces so quickly from serious to dry historical fact to our unlikely doctor that it's hard to sit into the book and get its feel. I was left confused and not entirely sure what I was supposed to be getting into. For those interested in learning about this time period it will be a worthy read, but I find the setting extremely dry and at the same time too much.

While WIlliam is an interesting mystery, his character alone isn't enough to cover the odd way Jayne is allowed to practice medicine in a (relatively) open way, and I didn't find this 'strong female character' to be unique and compelling enough to keep me invested.

I appreciate the level of detail and historical description Walters clearly put in, but in the end it wasn't enough to hook me.

Minette Walters can easily bring new life to an old story! It's 1642 in Dorset. Walter summarizes neatly what has transpired to cause Civil war between the King and the Parliament. This war has created a great divide between neighbors, families and communities. It is exceedingly difficult to stay neutral.

Jayne Swift is a unique female character of the times. She has avoided marriage and trained as a physician. She has some notoriety and respect for her work. She has pledged to stay neutral and we can see the savages of war through her perspective.

There is a bit of mystery and romance as Swift meet William Harrier - the footman of a unique Lady in Dorchester. The novel focuses on their relationship, strong characters as well as the war in true historical detail. Walter's prose is captivating and you are drawn into the vivid scenes to the point that you feel you are there. If you like historical fiction, strong female characters and any novel with a hint of romance and mystery, this book is for you! #TheSwiftandTheHarrier #Blackstone #NetGalley

Author Minette Walters is to be commended on her ability to place me in the middle of the English Civil War with her spectacular sense of place. Relying on her crime writing background has enabled Walters to pen a truly authentic experience at the gallows. Thankfully, it was as ‘raw’ as it gets.

Walters allows readers a glimpse into the budding relationship between Jayne Swift and William Harrier as it blossomed during the duration of the Civil War. I love that the author chose to make Jayne’s career her singular focus, rather than be sidelined by a romantic interest. Jayne, the daughter of Sir Henry and Lady Margaret Swift of Swyre, is not only nobility but also a physician in a field dominated by males. Choosing neutrality is a choice not many can afford to make as allegiances are drawn as the bloody Civil War continues, but Jayne services sides in the conflict, even as she deals with chauvinistic treatment from others in her field. She defies societal norms and treads a thin line in bringing medical attention to the Catholic Royalists as well as the Puritan Parliamentarians. The novel opens with the outbreak of war in 1642 and ends when King Charles I was executed for treason.

I appreciated the glimpse into what it must have been like to maintain a relationship in the 17th century, the wartime injuries and the class differences in England at this time. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Oliver Cromwell and the energy he brought to the prose. Walters deftly explores what it must have been like when alliances split apart families and friendships and loyalty were continually questioned. The background information provided by the author enriched my reading experience.

I was gifted this advance copy by Minette Walters, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sweeping historical adventure set during one of the most turbulent periods of British history—featuring a heroine you’ll never forget ...

Dorset, 1642.

When bloody civil war breaks out between the king and Parliament, families and communities across England are riven by different allegiances.

A rare few choose neutrality.

One such is Jayne Swift, a Dorset physician from a Royalist family, who offers her services to both sides in the conflict. Through her dedication to treating the sick and wounded, regardless of belief, Jayne becomes a witness to the brutality of war and the devastation it wreaks.

Yet her recurring companion at every event is a man she should despise because he embraces civil war as the means to an end. She knows him as William Harrier, but is ignorant about every other aspect of his life. His past is a mystery and his future uncertain.

The Swift and the Harrier is a sweeping tale of adventure and loss, sacrifice and love, with a unique and unforgettable heroine at its heart.

I give this story about 3.5 stars. The story took a while for me to get into. I stopped and set it down several times before I was able to finish. It's a historical, which is one of my ultimate favorite genres!

The things I did like-
The historical aspect is very accurate. This book takes place during the English Civil War, and the main characters cross paths with several historical figures. Such as Prince Maurice of Palatine and Oliver Cromwell. With their inclusion, you can imagine what went on on both sides of the conflict.

The story doesn't have much romance in it, and it’s very subtle. Jayne Swift (the h) and William Harrier (the H) have lots of chemistry though! They are swept constantly on crazy adventures, albeit following different paths, but always somehow drawn back to each other.
Jayne is a healer and doctor, and William is a mysterious figure who seems loyal to no one but himself.

What I didn’t like-
To me, I didn't enjoy how the author made so much emphasis on neutrality, especially on Jayne’s part. She spent a lot of time questioning other people’s loyalties, but to me, she had her own leanings. This at a certain point in my reading annoyed the heck out of me! I felt it took away from the story.

With that being said, the story did flow very well. It interested me enough to want to read the author's other books. So in the near future, I’ll try to invest myself into one and see how it goes. Hopefully, I’ll enjoy myself a teensy bit more.

England, 1642. The story is set during a time when King Charles I wants to have absolute power and the Parliament is asking for shared power.

Jayne Swift, whose father is Royalist, was trained to be a physician by a doctor, who made no distinction between political or religious belief. Her pledge is to treat the sick to the best of her ability regardless of any circumstances.

At the beginning of the story, we are briefly introduced to Jayne and William Harrier. From the beginning, she is attracted to him, but doesn’t know his standing. She is neutral and he remains a mystery.

The scenes are pretty descriptive and what I was missing during those long scenes was character development. There is quite a lot of repetition. The same thing being repeated twice or three times within the same scene.

When it comes to the character of Jayne, I love strong female characters, but the way she demands respect for women is questionable if it’s realistic for the time period. Also, the knowledge she has of the medicine, it seems as she obtained it in the 21st century.

The setting is very interesting and that’s what interested me into this story. I think it comes down to the style of writing. If you’re not picky about character-development and enjoy descriptive writing, then it might be a book for you.