Ravenglass – 9781915179715

In 18th century Whitehaven, Kit Ravenglass grows up in a house of secrets. A shameful mystery surrounds his mother’s death, and his formidable, newly rich father is gambling everything on shipping ventures. Kit takes solace in his beloved sister Fliss, and her sumptuous silks, although he knows better than to reveal his delight in feminine fashion.

As the family’s debts mount, Kit’s father turns to the transatlantic slave trade – a ruthless and bloody traffic to which more than a fortune might be lost. Adventures will see Kit turn fugitive and begin living as ‘Stella,’ before being swept into the heady violence of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion. Driven by love, revenge and a desire to live truly and freely, Kit must find a way to survive these turbulent times – and to unravel the tragic secrets of the Ravenglass family.

Praise for Ravenglass:‘A sweeping Gothic tale of love and betrayal’ – My Weekly‘Set in 18th century Scotland and northern England, this epic novel also touches on contemporary themes, like queer history’ – Sunday Post‘A lavish and fully realised story in a living and breathing Georgian Cumbria’ – Cumbria Life‘This big and lusty historical tale explores a theme of gender fluidity that chimes with society today, but was a dangerous secret in the 18th century. 9/10’ – Peterborough Evening Telegraph’Brave, honest and free, touching multiple themes from the bottom to the top of society, across race, religion, politics, gender and sexuality… immersing the reader in an extraordinarily vivid portrait of early Georgian life, love, work and war” – Fiona Erskine, author of The Chemical Detective series‘It will appeal to anyone interested in 18th -century history, the slave trade and the fitting out of the ships, the Jacobite Rebellion, attitudes towards sexuality or anyone enjoying an adventure story. I would recommend it highly.’– Historical Novel Society review ‘I am knee deep in this marvellous book and do not want to stop.

Do my children really need feeding? Do I? Do I need to sleep? All currently up for debate.’ – Reader review from @Victoriapunch_, via Instagram‘Utterly spellbinding, this is one of those books that will linger with you for a long time. I loved it.’ – Reader review from @brownflopsy, via Instagram‘I was so moved by Kit as a character, and without giving any spoilers, the resolution just worked so beautifully well for me as a reader. I know this story will stay with me for a long time…The family backstory is dark and full of secrets, adding another layer to the narrative.

There’s so much going on here, but it’s all held in perfect balance, which is the sign of an author working at the peak of her powers.’ – Reader review from @elspells13, via Instagram‘An absolute must for lovers of historical fiction.’ – Reader review from @bookphace, via Instagram‘…what a wonderful character. The writing really immersed me in the period, and place. Brava!’ – Sarah Hilary, author of Someone Else’s Skin, winner of the Theakston’s CrimeNovel of the Year 2015‘…the writing is pacy and vivid.

I raced through it…’ – Gaynor Arnold, author of Girl in a Blue Dress, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008‘Richly researched and sweeping in historical scope, Ravenglass is a hugely engaging tale of family secrets and the desire to be true to oneself, whatever the cost’ – Anita Frank, author of The Lost Ones