Unfortunately, this final volume of the Tidelands trilogy did not live up to its previous books. I love the author, and will read anything she writes, but I lost interest in the overly complicated plot.

Philippa Gregory is my go to for historical fiction. Her books are rich, deep, and creative. Her historical stories aren't necessarily factual but they are fun and engaging - this one is no different

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read and review an eArc

Philippa Gregory is my go to for historical fiction. Her books are rich, deep, and creative. Always full of intrigue and survival woven with tidbits of history. I love how she brings history to life. Dawnlands is all of this and more. Set in 1685 England and beyond, this story is just epic.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read and review an eArc

The third in the Fairmile series. Phillippa Gregory is so well known for her historical fiction novels that she's pretty much an automatic read for fans of the genre. Characters from the previous 2 books are back and there is a new character, Rowan, and several chapters are told from her perspective. I couldn't tell if there's to be another book in this series - it seems like maybe. Gregory's book are long but well-written and informative and always worth the read!

Philippe Gregory does not disappoint with her 3rd installation in The Fairmile Series! This book is engaging from the first to the last page of “unputdownable” story telling. We revisit the wonderful, mostly likable characters that we’ve loved from the previous books, Tidelands and Dark Tides. There are quite a few surprises and also a little sadness but when she brings it to it’s conclusion….I wanted more. Which is a hint…I’m hoping Ms Gregory will continue this amazing saga!

A few years ago, my sister bought me a book by Phillippa Gregory, and since then, I have been hooked! This book was no different! When reading the book, I did not know it was part of a series; however, if this book were to speak of the rest, I would have missed out! Philippa knows how to write and how to write in entanglement ways that provide a piece of history but with that fictional flare that we have all come to know and love!
If I had a complaint about the series, I wish the villainess and her vile behavior would have received some retribution or something. She had far too many behaviors and scandals she got away with!
I enjoyed that we saw the Mother and daughter bond in that time, but I did put the previous two books in the trilogy in my TBR because if the finishing of the series is this strong and this fantastic, I can only imagine what the other two books would be! Thank you, Atria Books and Netgalley, for the extreme treat of reading and reviewing this book!

I usually love Philipps Gregory’s historical fiction but for some reason I just couldn’t get into this trilogy. This final book had me looking back to remember details from the previous books, and even with the family tree in the beginning there were so many characters that it was hard to keep track of. I will continue to read this author’s books but was disappointed by this series. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The author has, once again, lived up to her reputation. Dawnlands provides a glimpse at English society during the rule of Catholic king and queen after England had become Protestant. Her description and story makes her historical novel readable and relatable. She successfully combined the story of a Native American brought to England, captured during a failed revolution and transported a sugar plantation in the Caribbean, the person who saved her, his family, and the Queen of England. Super enjoyable. She deserves nothing less than five stars.

Another fantastic novel by Ms. Gregory. Dawnlands is the third installment of her Fairmile series. This most recent series is about a fictional family lead by a matriarch, and Ms. Gregory has said she plans to bring this series into the 20th century, and I can’t wait!

In this third installment, we are introduced to Alinor’s grandchildren, and witness the family’s standing move up in English society. Set during the reign of King James II, the storyline includes the uprising against this Catholic King, and transportation to the Sugar Islands for criminals. With each book, Ms. Gregory is expanding the scope and depth of Alinor and her family, while masterfully weaving them into English history.

This is a must read for fans of Phillips Gregory, and I would recommend her books to anyone interested in Historical Fiction set in England. She is one of my favorite authors.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and Ms, Gregory for providing me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free e-reader copy of “Dawnlands” by Philippa Gregory in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! The whole series just glows.
Dawnlands is the third installment in the Fairmile series and I fervently hope it won’t be the last. The adventures of Alinor Reekie and her family continue and this time the action happens in several settings, from a London commercial wharf to the Netherlands to Barbados and back to England. The story takes place in the 1680s during several uprisings that will decide the fates of everyone from across society - including royalty. This is Philippa Gregory at her best in both character development and historical fiction and fact. Highly, highly recommended. Five enthusiastic stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like: multi-generational sagas, multiple perspectives.
-
The third book in the Fairmile series, this book takes place years after the second one. Historically it follows the reign of James II and the Glorious Revolution, and through this we get to read about the experiences of the Reekie family. This book also travels from England to Amsterdam, to colonists in North America and a sugar plantation in Barbados.
-
It was interesting to read about Alinor’s life and how it progressed and this is an interesting time period to read about! While the first book is my favourite, this is still a good book!

The third book in Philippa Gregory's Fairmile series picks up a generation after the second book left off. Mother and daughter, Alys and Alinor, live with their foster son/grandson Matthew in London. Matthew is the progeny of the villainess Livia, an Italian woman who seduced Alys and married Alinor's soulmate, James Avery, in the previous installment. Matthew is now close to adulthood, and even though Livia abandoned him years earlier, he allows his long-absent mother to inserts herself into his life. Livia has spent many years in the Catholic court of King James and Queen Mary Beatrice, and she's still up to her old tricks: manipulating everyone around her so she can take advantage of every opportunity, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Alinor's brother, Ned, has returned from America with a Native American girl (Rowan), with whom he develops an infatuation. His nephew, Johnnie, also has strong feelings for Rowan, but Rowan's heart is in the heartland of America. She dreams of returning to her "Dawnland" home, but her journey is beset by turmoil, including a stint in prison and a period of enslavement in Barbados.

Gregory is known for her British historical novels, especially those focused on the Plantagenets and Tudors. While this new series is more focused on the fictional Reekie family, a lot of attention is given to the Stuart court and the civil war that nearly erupts when the new king tries to convert England back to Catholicism. Dawnland is a real soap opera of a novel. At times, it's hard to take it seriously, but it does make for a very entertaining read. For the best historical fiction, though, I recommend Cynthia Harrod-Eagle's Morland Dynasty series, a 30+ volume family saga of an English family that starts during the War of the Roses and leads up to the period after World War I. If you like the Fairmile series, you'll love the Morland Dynasty.

This is the third in a series from this author and I would highly recommend reading the previous two to appreciate the characters and their development. There are a lot of characters in this series and in this one there is the addition of Royalty and military action (both based on real events). Alinor, the patriarch of the family, owns a successful warehouse in London, she's still affected by the incident that happened in the first book, and is considered sickly, with difficulties breathing at times. Her daughter and son-in-law mostly run the warehouse for her and import and export various items. Alinor's brother, Ned, comes home from America where he has spent the last few years in exile, he almost immediately gets involved with the military in an attempt to overthrown the King, that doesn't end well and Ned is injured and imprisoned, he's then one of many previous military that are to be transported to Barbados as indentured slaves. Ned's companion, Rowan, a native woman passing as a man tricks Ned and ends up taking his place. Alinor and her family are also visited again by Livia, a close companion to the Queen, Livia is a liar and a schemer, doing and saying whatever she needs to in order to better herself (mostly) or her family connections. This was probably the best of the series so far and I do hope there is another, the ending would seem that there would be. I would highly recommend. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Atria Books for the ARC.

Loved reading the enthralling and engrossing story. While Alys and her husband, Captain Shore, and Alinor go on with their lives at the wharf, trouble is just around the corner when Livia drops in to see her son and asks him for a dangerous favor involving Captain Shore, but in return, Matthew asks and is given the lands and deeds to Foulmire in the Tidelands, the land Alinor loved and fond memories of. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and riveting storyline. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Philippa Gregory.

"Dawnlands" by Philippa Gregory is a wonderful, turbulent, captivating historical fiction. Full of scheming, as well as longing, loyalty and righteousness, this novel was interesting and enjoyable. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the copy for review. All opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW: Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory
Series: The Fairmile Series | Book 3
2022 Publication Date: November 8

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Historical Fiction Books
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Either we all are equal... Or we all are not equal...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
An Epic Story of Family and Adventure | Best Historical Fiction Books
Do you love stories about palace intrigue, defiant heroes, and long-awaited love fulfilled? Not to mention a female "villain" that rivals a modern-day Marvel comic villain? If so, then you need to read the third book in Philippa Gregory’s Fairmile Series — Dawnlands. Join a family as they battle for their lives and search for a new dawn in a world that is just beginning to open up.

The Setting for a Thrilling Adventure
When you pick up this historical novel, you will be transported beyond the conclusion of the middle ages to the year 1685 when England is on the brink of civil war again. King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is set to take the throne. The people are divided over whether or not they should accept him as king due to his Roman Catholic mandate.

This story follows a family from one end of the empire to another as they fight their way through battles in the Somerset Levels all the way to hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados. Every page is filled with suspense and intrigue, making it hard to put down until you reach its epic conclusion.

A Story About Love and Strength
Not only does this historical novel tell an exciting story full of action and drama, but it also focuses heavily on themes of love and strength. Our heroines find themselves having to make difficult choices between what their hearts want and what their minds know is best for them under the circumstances.

They must rely on both inner strength and external help from friends to survive each challenge that comes their way.

The characters are richly developed and each of them brings something unique to the story. The family matriarch, Alinor, and her daughter, Alys, are determined to protect their family from those who would seek to harm them at any cost while still balancing good sense and what they can — and cannot — control.

Their courage and determination are inspiring and readers will quickly become invested in the family's journey as they strive for survival amidst all odds. Alinor's brother Ned has secrets of his own that he must face before he can truly understand where his heart truly lies.

But the character that will burrow into your soul is a Pokanoket young woman named Rowan, who embodies all the desires we share... and none of the fears.

All these characters intertwine together beautifully as they fight for what they believe in while trying to stay alive in troubled times.

Perfect if you’re looking for the best historical fiction books with an exciting adventure full of suspense and intrigue then you need to look no further than Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory!

This historical fiction novel takes readers back to 17th-century England during a tumultuous time when tensions were high between Catholics and Protestants... with life or death consequences if you land on the losing side, which is shifting constantly.

With compelling characters who are faced with difficult decisions, historical novel readers are sure to be captivated by this historical epic story of family, courage, and love fulfilled! Don't miss out — pick up your copy today!...✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. TIP: Although The Fairmile Series is a cumulative historical novels series, you can read this book series as standalone books… As for me, I started with Book 3 but, after finding Book 3 landing on both my T.I.M.E. Favorite Books and T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books lists, I intend to circle back to read Book 1 and 2 in order (which expands this historical epic tale to span multiple generations). . Hopefully, before Book 4 is released!... I can hardly wait!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 500
Genre: Best Historical Fiction Books | Best Historical Fiction Novels
Sub-Genre: Family Life Fiction | Family History
Time Period: 1685 - 1688
Location: London and Sussex (England) | Barbados
Publisher: Simon & Schuster | Atria Books

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Fairmile Series by Philippa Gregory ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TV Series: The White Queen (Adapted from The White Queen by Philippa Gregory) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get ready for an exciting journey through time to 17th-century England with Philippa Gregory’s novel, Dawnlands.

This book is the third in her Fairmile series and follows a family’s adventures as they set out to find new hope in a world that is changing all around them. With themes of palace intrigue, heroic defiance, and a long-awaited love fulfilled, this story will take readers on an unforgettable journey.

When King Charles II dies without an heir, his brother James is set to take the throne and England is on the brink of a civil war due to their divided opinions over his Roman Catholic mandate. The story follows the characters from one end of the empire to another as they search for their place in this rapidly changing world.

From the last battle in Somerset Levels to hidden caves on Barbados’ slave island, readers looking for the best historical fiction books will be captivated by this epic tale that spans not only generations but entire continents as well.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The power of resilience of the human spirit and courage in the face of adversity — It is a testament to the strength and perseverance of Alinor, her family, and other characters in Dawnlands that despite all the obstacles they must overcome along their journey, they remain strong and defiant against those who would oppose them.
• The importance of learning from the past — Themes of history, culture, human rights, and tradition are explored throughout this historical fiction novel as characters must come to terms with the consequences of their actions and learn how to move forward in a world that is constantly changing.
• The power of love — Through all of their trials and tribulations, Alinor and her family remain devoted to one another and discover the true power of love in the face of great adversity. These lessons remind readers that even in our darkest hours, we must never forget to appreciate and cherish what truly matters most.

BOOK QUOTE:
"We can think right, we can do right. And when we choose liberty, and justice for all, we will have it." — Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author because Philippa Gregory is a legend.

So this is the third book in what I thought was a trilogy, until I read the cliffhanger last chapter. It definitely moves faster than the first book in the series, "Tidelands"; at the same time it feels less cohesive, with multiple storylines and enough characters that I'd have liked a family tree, especially as I've not read the second book in the series. I rather enjoyed the myriad plots, and much of the writing is pristine. When the character Rowan describes windmills as imprisoning the wind, it evokes not just the setting but also that particular character's mindset.

That said, Rowan was one of the issues I have with the book. An Indigenous American, she teeters dangerously close into "noble savage" territory. A few other characters are little more than cartoons. If "Tidelands" is character- and setting-driven, "Dawnlands" is plot-driven; don't expect serious character development. And it's incomprehensible to me why certain characters fall in love quicker than the time it takes to make instant ramen. But the book kept me entertained, and perhaps I'll read the sequel.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Best read of 2022. Dawnlands is a continuation of Phillipa Gregory’s (Fairmile #3) series. If you haven’t gotten to this, get on it! It’s a page turner and there is no ultimate low (to sink to) if you’ll do anything to rise to the top…as demonstrated by the best villain character in a book! Despite the fact that the book is historical fiction, you will find details that really did happen in history…such as starving pheasants being “allowed the privilege” to view the King & Queen while dining. No wonder this era can write such cut-throat believable stories.

I was provided a free advanced copy of this book by @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the third in The Fairmile series. It continues to follow the Reekie family and their many exploits. Again set many years after the second book, we learn more about the next generation of the family. With a new Catholic King on the throne Livia makes her way into the Queen's court. But she will still impose her ideas and wishes on the Reekie family as contention rises between the English people and the royal family. Ned is back in England and fighting for freedom once again. I felt the ending definitely let it open for another book in the series!
When I was offered this book I didn't realize the publication date was so soon, AND it was the third in a series! 🤦🏻‍♀️ So I quickly got the audiobooks for the first two and then started on this one, but they are all long, so I am pretty late on this review. I definitely enjoyed the whole series so far. I'm pretty invested in this family now and look forward to more in the future, hopefully!
If you like historical fiction, and family dramas, this is definitely for you!
#Dawnlands #NetGalley