What do readers think of Accidents of Providence by Stacia Brown? Write your own review.

Mediocre is the word to describe this book. The story line had no real interest for me, and, while I felt sympathy for Rachel, the rest of the characters did nothing to capture my imagination. I would not recommend to my fellow Book Club members.

A page turner that transports you back to England in the seventeenth century. Set amidst Puritanical rule, the author creates a very real place filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the time. A fast paced plot and vividly drawn characters make this an engrossing read. Historical fiction fans will certainly love this book. It would also appeal to those interested in individualism and the evolving role of women in a society where the rules are stacked against them. A great choice for book clubs; much to discuss and even more to ponder over.

An unplanned pregnancy resulting in the death of the child as a result of an affair at any time is difficult, but one set in the historical context of the mid 1600s when social conventions backed by law treated this as a crime punishable by death makes for an intriguing even if the depth of the characters seems to be less credible.

Welcome to London, circa 1649. Smell the squalor of Newgate prison. Investigate the relationship between hangman and accused on the way to Tyburn hanging tree. Look over YOUR shoulder in the midst of religious intolerance in the time of Oliver Cromwell. Stacia Brown (Accidents of Providence) weaves a darn good tale involving a romance/mystery plot but most importantly, her descriptive ability is wonderfully evocative of this time in British history. After finishing reading (and wanting to take a shower?) pose to yourself the question asked of you by the author, "What is it that love requires of each of us?" My only disappointment with the book was that there was no attempt to replicate the vernacular of the 17th century British citizens in this novel. Surely this is a shame considering how admirably Brown succeeds on every other level. No matter...Read it!

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.

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.

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.

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.