Cecily: An Epic Feminist Retelling of the War of the Roses
**A captivating historical fiction novel that sheds light on the untold stories of women during the Wars of the Roses.**
A World of Intrigue and Power
England, 1431. The Hundred Years' War rages on, and political turmoil grips the nation. In this dangerous landscape, a woman named Cecily finds herself at the heart of a treacherous game of power. Her husband, a loyal duke to the House of York, is targeted by a corrupt government led by a weakening king.
As plots to destroy York unfold, Cecily must use her courage and cunning to protect her family. But as the fight for survival transforms into an ambition for the crown, she faces a crucial dilemma: will she risk treason to secure a future for her loved ones?
A Vivid and Compelling Story
**Cecily** is more than just a historical retelling; it is a powerful exploration of female strength, ambition, and the complexities of war. The narrative delves into the inner workings of the English court, showcasing the hidden struggles and triumphs of women navigating a world dominated by men.
Critical Acclaim
**Cecily** has received widespread praise from critics and fellow authors:
* **"A startling heroine"** – Sarah Moss, author of Summerwater
* **"A vividly female perspective on the Wars of the Roses"** – Imogen Hermes Gower, author of The Mermaid and Mr Hancock
* **"Wolf Hall for the 2020s"** – Manda Scott, author of Boudica
* **"Masterful and majestic; England’s unspoken history told by one brilliant woman through the life of another. This important novel blazes on every page from its brutal first scene to its glittering final act"** – Chris Cleave, author of Everyone Brave is Forgiven
* **"Entirely absorbing and utterly compelling. Fifteenth century England leaps from the page, with all its political turmoil and bloodshed. I loved it"** – Caroline Lea, author of The Glass Women
* **"Cecily stalks the corridors of power like a female Thomas Cromwell. What a feat"** – Imogen Hermes Gower, author of The Mermaid and Mr Hancock
* **"Masterfully written and wholly immersive, with characters that live and breathe. Cecily is a tour de force. I loved every sentence"** – Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure
* **"Annie Garthwaite writes about the past with the sort of intimacy, immediacy and empathy that can only come from graft and craft"** – Toby Clements, author of Kingmaker
* **"BLOODY GREAT. So modern, so political, it could almost be set in Downing Street"** – Kate Sawyer, author of The Stranding
* **"Shines a light into a dark corner of our history and reclaims the voice and story of a powerful and forgotten woman"** – Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts
* **"An extraordinary achievement . . .I could touch and breathe Cecily's world as if I was walking in her shadow"** – Carol McGrath, author of The Silken Rose
* **"Impeccably researched, written with style and shot through with energy, heart and power. A perfectly paced tale of intrigue, influence and victory wrenched from defeat. Cecily has been overlooked for centuries. Not anymore"** – A J West, author of The Spirit Engineer
**If you are looking for a captivating historical fiction novel that offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in English history, then Cecily is a must-read.**
