Rated of 5
by Lorraine R. (southampton, NY) Acts of Providence
An intelligently written, carefully researched first novel, ACTS OF PROVIDENCE was both interesting and thought provoking to read. Stacia Brown brought the 1700's in London to life with her detailed description of how common people lived. She exposed the inequalities of the courts of law, in particular the complete denial of rights of women. She showed how vulnerable women were to their circumstances. both personal and public. This was an extremely well-written historical novel that blended political, religious and social beliefs of a revolutionary period of Britain's history.
Rated of 5
by Penny P. (Santa barbara, Calif) A Good Read
I enjoy reading historical novels and thoroughly enjoyed this one. I remember loving The Dress Lodger and Perfume and would put this book in the same category. The history seemed quite accurate. The political times and the belief of the Puritans were covered, as well a the place of women in that society. This is both a love story and a crime novel so I think anyone who either, would enjoy this novel. The character development was quite good and the writing was descriptive and easy to read. The book isn't very long and can be read pretty quickly making it a great vacation read.
Rated of 5
by Jane C. (Brighton, MI) Accident of Providence
The year, 1649, the place, England. The rules of life in that century were very difficult for unwed mothers. This story tells of the life of one mother who gives birth and is charged with murder. Very well written, seemed like real life rather than fiction. Very difficult life in these early times.
Rated of 5
by Mary S. (Bow, NH) A good read, not a great one
Accidents of Providence by Stacia Brown tells the story of a woman in Oliver Cromwell's England who is accused of having a baby out of wedlock.
The setting of the story is very good. It is obvious Ms. Brown has done her research. The dialogue is also very good. However, some of the main character's internal dialogue gets lengthy (and doesn't add anything to the novel). As well, there are some scenes that also don't add anything to the novel. For example, the main character (a glove-maker) makes gloves for all of her gaolers on Christmas Eve, but that is the last that the reader hears about the gloves.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but I was not swept away by it.
Rated of 5
by Bonnie B. (Port St. Lucie,, FL) A Captivating Love Story and Tragedy
The year is 1649 and England is fraught with political turmoil. Different political parties fight for power and war is raging. The author renders the ambiance of London well - the stench, poverty, turmoil and chaos.
Rachel is a glove maker's assistant and finds out that she is pregnant. She has been having an affair with a married man that already has 14 children. English law states that if a woman kills her child after giving birth, she is to be put to death. After Rachel's baby is born, her boss sees her walking to a deserted area carrying a bundle and follows her. She sees Rachel burying something. The next day, her boss digs up what she finds to be an infant's grave and reports Rachel to the authorities. A trial ensues.
The book is very captivating. My only criticism is that there is too much political information in it, as though the author used her dissertation as the background for the story and added the novel's most interesting aspects - Rachel's pregnancy, her love affair, the trial - as an afterwards. Despite this, most of the book was riveting and I think it deserves a high '4'.
Rated of 5
by Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY) Well Researched Historic Fiction
I really enjoy historical novels. Having read Fingersmith and The Dress Lodger, I was looking forward to reading this book. It has all the elements one could want in an historic novel - a secret love affair - a crime - investigation public trail and a surprise twist at the end. Perhaps too much of the novel was spent on the ideology of the Levelers and the Puritans. Over all, an enjoyable and informative read.
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of 5
by Lorraine R. (southampton, NY) 
of 5
by Penny P. (Santa barbara, Calif) 
of 5
by Mary S. (Bow, NH) 
