K.M. Butler

As the War of the Roses rages on, a young Henry Tudor escapes into exile with his Uncle Jaspar. Landing in Brittany, Henry is under the protection of Duke Francis II who uses Henry as leverage as often as possible. In Brittany, Henry falls into a comfortable lifestyle and meets Jehane, a widowed tailor's wife. Jehane teaches Henry the tricks of her trade and Henry becomes an adept businessman. Meanwhile, Henry's mother, Margaret Beaufort plans for his return by regaining land and resources for his restoration. Henry's royal blood soon catches up to him as he is forced to fight for the crown.

The Welsh Dragon tells the story of Henry VII from his early exile until his win on Bosworth field. The writing focuses on Henry's feelings and development during his exile. The story is told through multiple points of view of the major players , focusing most on Henry, Jasper, Jehane and Margaret. I was most interested in Henry's time with Jehane as well as Margaret's planning in England. I liked seeing the side of Henry when he was focused on living a normal life with Jehane and learning about business and being a tailor and how he processed leaving that world behind. Margaret's instincts on how quickly tides could turn and Henry could be raised up to rule and what she put herself through in order to make sure Henry could have a positive outcome was energizing. The battle scenes were exciting and highlighted the challenges of both sides. Overall, an informative and historical look into Henry VII's rise to power.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mehr)

Caught up in a rebellion on Venice’s territory of Crete, Niccolo Aretoli returns as a hero after saving the governor’s life and evacuating the loyal citizenry. Yet despite his new fame, not all is well in Venice. While he was away, Niccolo’s beloved Rosalia entered an arranged marriage with Niccolo’s brother Flavio, to safeguard her family from ruin. And that is not the only problem in House Aretoli. From brothel to Senate, through marriage and loss, the sons and daughters of House Aretoli struggle against spies, treachery, and assassination. Chased on land and sea by enemies and betrayed by his closest allies, Niccolo must overcome a conspiracy that threatens his survival, the lives of his family, and the very existence of the republic itself.
This book started off slowly but stick with it – it’s worth it. I don’t put spoilers in my reviews, but there is one life-changing event in the story that starts the fast progression of the plot. I loved reading about the family dynamics within House Aretoli and how things change as jealousy and political intrigue take over. The story is beautifully written and filled with action and suspense. I definitely can see this book as an epic movie or sweeping mini-series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes historical fiction.
Thanks to LibraryThing, K.M. Butler, and Fawkes Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.

… (mehr)

K.M. Butler's book House Aretoli: A novel of Venice was an enjoyable book that hit all the points. It has intrigue, revolt, love lost through an arranged political marriage, honor & betrayal from a beloved family member.
Venetian merchant family Aretoli's second son maritime Captain Niccoli is on the island of Crete amid a revolt and anticipates going home to Venice & the woman he loves, Rosalia Cornaro. Unknown to Niccoli until he reaches port, his older brother Flavio has already married Rosalia in a political move orchestrated by the brothers father, whom in time realizes the error of his actions in an attempt to secure political standing and curry favor.
One brother is corrupted by jealousy, power & prestige and the other brother tries to make the right decisions for his family his country and himself. The other remaining siblings are caught up in the drama & try to align themselves accordingly which is made interesting in that for this time period women in Venice were still very much under their family rule and influence.The sisters and third brothers stories are as intriguing as the main plot.
As the story progresses each brother makes choices that will change the course of their family dynasty and the lives of other Venetians and themselves.
I received a free advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.”… (mehr)