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Wintercombe #2
Herald of Joy
The English Civil War throws together Captain Nick Hellier and Mistress Silence St. Barbe, a Puritan, whose feelings for the handsome officer compel her to betray her aging husband
501 pages, Hardcover
First published November 27, 1989
54 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Belle
19 books79 followersBelle, who also writes contemporary fiction as Alice Marlow, always wanted to be an author. As a child the books she read were adventure stories like "Treasure Island," "Swallows and Amazons," and the novels of John Buchan and CS Forester. She wrote her first book at the age of twelve and having visited the site of a lovely Elizabethan manor house called Rushbrooke and observing the bare, moated island which was all that was left, she wanted to bring Rushbrooke back and chose to do so in print.
Over the next few years 'The Epic', as it became known, grew and grew. Belle drew up a huge family tree and a plan of the house very like Rushbrooke.
Married and a teacher of a class of six-year-olds, she wrote in longhand and, while publishers made encouraging noises, no one was prepared to risk publishing a large book by an unknown author. Eventually the agent Vivienne Schuster was wonderfully enthusiastic about it and found a publisher.
"The Moon in the Water" and its two sequels were published in the UK and the USA with considerable success. Belle gave up teaching in 1985 to spend more time researching and writing. She plans to write a book about Alfred the Great if she can fit it in between looking after the children, dogs, cats and husband.
Over the next few years 'The Epic', as it became known, grew and grew. Belle drew up a huge family tree and a plan of the house very like Rushbrooke.
Married and a teacher of a class of six-year-olds, she wrote in longhand and, while publishers made encouraging noises, no one was prepared to risk publishing a large book by an unknown author. Eventually the agent Vivienne Schuster was wonderfully enthusiastic about it and found a publisher.
"The Moon in the Water" and its two sequels were published in the UK and the USA with considerable success. Belle gave up teaching in 1985 to spend more time researching and writing. She plans to write a book about Alfred the Great if she can fit it in between looking after the children, dogs, cats and husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 13, 2009
"Silence is the perfectest herald of joy" (Much ado about Nothing).
Herald of Joy picks up with the St. Barbe family six years after the close of Wintercombe. Silence's husband George is near death, although except for his oldest daughter Rachael the rest of his family is none too distraught over it. George makes a few last minute changes to his will that will continue to manipulate his family after he dies, leaving Silence at the mercy of her step-son Nat and Rachael engaged to an overly pious young man not best equipped to deal with her fragile emotions. On the heels of this also comes Silence's younger sister Patience - their brother has tired of her schemes and plots and has sent her packing to the country to keep her out of trouble - although there is little chance of _that_ happening.
Charles Stuart the newly crowned "King of Scotland" brings his army south to Worcester, and among his guard is the long-lost Cavalier Nick Hellier. The Royalist attempt fails and Nick flees for his life with an unwelcome companion who looks too much like the much sought after Charles for everyone's comfort. Hounded by Roundhead soldiers, their travels take them from Worcester to Bristol and then finally to Wintercombe - will Nick and Silence be reunited? Or will their secret be betrayed to the Roundheads and disaster befalls them all and they lose everything, including Wintercombe?
As usual, that's about all I'm willing to tell you - read it for yourself. This was an excellent follow up to the first book and not quite as dark as the first, although there are still some nail biting moments and Belle definitely keeps you hovering on the edge of your seat until the very end. I loved the way she incorporates the children and pets into her story (just wait until you see their escapades in this one keeping Nick and friend hidden), as well as seeing the day to day lifestyle of a 17C household. I loved the addition of Patience (or ImPatience as Nat calls her) and her hijinks into the family fray. Although the hands down, laugh out loud, scene stealing character was the cursing Parrot. ROFL when Rachel's sanctimonious Puritanical father-in-law spotted him and was told to "bugger off". Priceless. The series in order,
Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason's Gift
Herald of Joy picks up with the St. Barbe family six years after the close of Wintercombe. Silence's husband George is near death, although except for his oldest daughter Rachael the rest of his family is none too distraught over it. George makes a few last minute changes to his will that will continue to manipulate his family after he dies, leaving Silence at the mercy of her step-son Nat and Rachael engaged to an overly pious young man not best equipped to deal with her fragile emotions. On the heels of this also comes Silence's younger sister Patience - their brother has tired of her schemes and plots and has sent her packing to the country to keep her out of trouble - although there is little chance of _that_ happening.
Charles Stuart the newly crowned "King of Scotland" brings his army south to Worcester, and among his guard is the long-lost Cavalier Nick Hellier. The Royalist attempt fails and Nick flees for his life with an unwelcome companion who looks too much like the much sought after Charles for everyone's comfort. Hounded by Roundhead soldiers, their travels take them from Worcester to Bristol and then finally to Wintercombe - will Nick and Silence be reunited? Or will their secret be betrayed to the Roundheads and disaster befalls them all and they lose everything, including Wintercombe?
As usual, that's about all I'm willing to tell you - read it for yourself. This was an excellent follow up to the first book and not quite as dark as the first, although there are still some nail biting moments and Belle definitely keeps you hovering on the edge of your seat until the very end. I loved the way she incorporates the children and pets into her story (just wait until you see their escapades in this one keeping Nick and friend hidden), as well as seeing the day to day lifestyle of a 17C household. I loved the addition of Patience (or ImPatience as Nat calls her) and her hijinks into the family fray. Although the hands down, laugh out loud, scene stealing character was the cursing Parrot. ROFL when Rachel's sanctimonious Puritanical father-in-law spotted him and was told to "bugger off". Priceless. The series in order,
Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason's Gift
March 27, 2021
I absolutely love this series! Set during the English Civil War of the mid 1600's, the life of a manor, the village, soldiers are all described. The characters are well developed and the adventure nicely paced. There are four in the Wintercombe series and I intend to read all of them. They are just lovely and satisfying as a good read.
August 2, 2025
What another cracking story.
The love story of Silence and Nick is truly one of my favourites in all the romance stories I have read. That they finally are able to be together was the icing on the cake.
What an absolute rotter the lawyer was !
Also impressed with how understanding the author was of the character Rachael. She seemed utterly irredeemable but Ms Belle very convincingly portrays the characters development.
The love story of Silence and Nick is truly one of my favourites in all the romance stories I have read. That they finally are able to be together was the icing on the cake.
What an absolute rotter the lawyer was !
Also impressed with how understanding the author was of the character Rachael. She seemed utterly irredeemable but Ms Belle very convincingly portrays the characters development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2021
Having some time ago read 'Wintercombe', the first book in this series, I was intrigued to pick back up with the long-suffering Silence St Barbe and see where the next stage of her story would take her. Silence had, in 'Wintercombe', proved to be a wilful and delightfully determined heroine, and I expected to find her largely unchanged in 'Herald of Joy'.
This was, sadly, not the case. 'Herald of Joy' finds our erstwhile heroine somewhat muted, a mere side character in a plot which gives far more space to the actions, trials and tribulations of her family. This is not to say that this makes the novel a disappointing read - certainly not - but I must say I quickly grew tired of Silence's weary acceptance of all that happened around her, and the constant malaise as to her situation and how little she felt able to change it. More often than not, situations were resolved on her behalf; she spends most of the novel either out of the loop, or contributing next to nothing except self-pitying tirades or internal soliloquys.
So we turn to her family to play the starring roles. This is not necessarily a bad thing - the St Barbes constitute a varied menagerie of personalities, and this leads to a number of intriguing plot diversions. However, what is striking is how frequently Belle disregards any attempt at 'show, not tell' - characters' emotions are constantly outlined in detail, leaving little to the imagination or to the capability of the reader, and there are far too many instances where one character outlines for another exactly what has happened, despite the reader having already experienced all of that in full in the previous instance. This is of course unnecessary, and makes the novel somewhat longer than it needs to be.
Tension is also very rarely left to simmer. Without dealing out spoilers, there are a few instances where a character is seen to be in peril, but then Belle almost instantly removes the threat, sometimes by a plot device that in the circumstances would seem wholly unlikely or indeed out of character. Very rarely did I worry for a character, and in a novel where the main plot revolves around escaped Cavaliers, this strikes me as something of a failing.
Still, as a family drama, it does make for a comforting read. The St Barbes are an enthralling, hugely likeable family, and spending so much time in their company has a similar comforting effect to watching multiple seasons of one's favourite character-based drama, where you are rooting for particular romantic pairings, glad to hear what one character truly thinks of another. It was an easy read, and still enjoyable despite my qualms.
Still, I am happy to leave the series on this installment - I feel no need to spend any further time at Wintercombe.
This was, sadly, not the case. 'Herald of Joy' finds our erstwhile heroine somewhat muted, a mere side character in a plot which gives far more space to the actions, trials and tribulations of her family. This is not to say that this makes the novel a disappointing read - certainly not - but I must say I quickly grew tired of Silence's weary acceptance of all that happened around her, and the constant malaise as to her situation and how little she felt able to change it. More often than not, situations were resolved on her behalf; she spends most of the novel either out of the loop, or contributing next to nothing except self-pitying tirades or internal soliloquys.
So we turn to her family to play the starring roles. This is not necessarily a bad thing - the St Barbes constitute a varied menagerie of personalities, and this leads to a number of intriguing plot diversions. However, what is striking is how frequently Belle disregards any attempt at 'show, not tell' - characters' emotions are constantly outlined in detail, leaving little to the imagination or to the capability of the reader, and there are far too many instances where one character outlines for another exactly what has happened, despite the reader having already experienced all of that in full in the previous instance. This is of course unnecessary, and makes the novel somewhat longer than it needs to be.
Tension is also very rarely left to simmer. Without dealing out spoilers, there are a few instances where a character is seen to be in peril, but then Belle almost instantly removes the threat, sometimes by a plot device that in the circumstances would seem wholly unlikely or indeed out of character. Very rarely did I worry for a character, and in a novel where the main plot revolves around escaped Cavaliers, this strikes me as something of a failing.
Still, as a family drama, it does make for a comforting read. The St Barbes are an enthralling, hugely likeable family, and spending so much time in their company has a similar comforting effect to watching multiple seasons of one's favourite character-based drama, where you are rooting for particular romantic pairings, glad to hear what one character truly thinks of another. It was an easy read, and still enjoyable despite my qualms.
Still, I am happy to leave the series on this installment - I feel no need to spend any further time at Wintercombe.
August 13, 2016
It's 1651 and the story of the St Barbe family of Somerset continues. I found on reading this that I didn't have to have read the first volume of the trilogy as the story starts six years later with Silence's husband George St Barbe near death. He continues to manipulate his famity with a few last minute changes to his will.
And Charles Stuart is on the march from Scotland with the Cavalier Captain Nick Hellier.
I enjoyed the story, and the style of writing and liked the characters. I will need to look out for Book 1 and 3 of the trilogy.
A NetGalley Book
And Charles Stuart is on the march from Scotland with the Cavalier Captain Nick Hellier.
I enjoyed the story, and the style of writing and liked the characters. I will need to look out for Book 1 and 3 of the trilogy.
A NetGalley Book
October 15, 2024
A reread for me, and enjoyed it just as much the second time. Belle's continuation of the St. Barbe family saga begun in Wintercombeis every bit as fascinating, compelling, and moving as the first time I read about them. Her characters, especially Silence St. Barbe and Nick Hellier, are very human, with flaws and frailties and emotions, feelings of loyalty, love, honor, anger, and heartache, as they seek to survive the English Civil War and its aftermath. This novel covers 1651-1652, picking up six years after the first novel, beginning with the death of the harsh Sir George and continuing the Puritan family's efforts to keep their home, Wintercombe, in their own hands and themselves out of prison, as they become involved in sheltering Cavaliers, rescuing prisoners, blackmail, and even murder, during the chaotic times of the Roundheads being in control of England. Beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of everything pertaining to the period from clothing to horses to food to furnishings to local customs, it's a lengthy narrative that moves along, pulls the reader into the family's orbit and encourages the reader to experience the ever-present dangers of the era right along with them. The previous novel and this one, imho, are the best, as two more sequels follow that I found enjoyable but not as compelling as the first two. The author could have easily ended the story of the St. Barbes with this book, as I found the conclusion appropriately satisfying.
December 16, 2019
I really loved the sequel to Wintercombe. It was wonderful to see how the children had grown up (especially Nat and Tabby), but I also really loved the introduction of Silence's sister, Patience. The story was great, and I enjoyed the whole thing (though I was, at times, a little impatient to see what was happening with Nick Hellier).
If I had one complaint, it's that things wrapped up quite quickly by the end. I was disappointed to look into the third book in the series and see there's a time jump. I'll still read it, but I do wish I could read more about the characters in the first two books.
Belle is, hands down, my favorite author of historical fiction. Which makes me ask, "What took me so long to get around to her other books?" I mean, with only two series, each four books long, it's not as if I'm facing a daunting number of books to get through. And then I realize it's because the books are out of print and, unfortunately, a little difficult to find. Which is something of a problem when I don't care for reading things on Kindle.
If I had one complaint, it's that things wrapped up quite quickly by the end. I was disappointed to look into the third book in the series and see there's a time jump. I'll still read it, but I do wish I could read more about the characters in the first two books.
Belle is, hands down, my favorite author of historical fiction. Which makes me ask, "What took me so long to get around to her other books?" I mean, with only two series, each four books long, it's not as if I'm facing a daunting number of books to get through. And then I realize it's because the books are out of print and, unfortunately, a little difficult to find. Which is something of a problem when I don't care for reading things on Kindle.
November 18, 2020
I just finished Herald of Joy, Wintercombe Series Book 2, by Pamela Belle.
I give this book five stars. Totally engrossing, kept with the characters from Book One. Ms. Belle
writes an excellent book. Her characters are so well-rounded out. The story itself flows from Book
One to Book Two seamlessly. I can't say too much more without ruining the plot but I was so happy
with the way she gave the book a complete ending with joy, and did not ask me to go find an
extended epilogue on my computer, which I refuse to do! The next book in the series starts out
with all new characters and I didn't think I would like it, so I didn't buy it. But do let me tell you
that you are missing out on two excellent historical novels about the Jacobites and Roundheads if
you miss these two books!!!
Ginnie
I give this book five stars. Totally engrossing, kept with the characters from Book One. Ms. Belle
writes an excellent book. Her characters are so well-rounded out. The story itself flows from Book
One to Book Two seamlessly. I can't say too much more without ruining the plot but I was so happy
with the way she gave the book a complete ending with joy, and did not ask me to go find an
extended epilogue on my computer, which I refuse to do! The next book in the series starts out
with all new characters and I didn't think I would like it, so I didn't buy it. But do let me tell you
that you are missing out on two excellent historical novels about the Jacobites and Roundheads if
you miss these two books!!!
Ginnie
May 31, 2024
Fabulous Series!
Pamela Belle has written an engrossing two-volume series based on historical events during the English Civil War of the mid-1600s.
You must read Book 1 of the Wintercombe Series first! Full of intrigue, deprivation, terror, and a Puritan woman's struggle to maintain outward calm while frightened and seething with rage is a study in humanity, forgiveness, trust in God, and the evil humans can inflict on one another in His name.
Pamela Belle has written an engrossing two-volume series based on historical events during the English Civil War of the mid-1600s.
You must read Book 1 of the Wintercombe Series first! Full of intrigue, deprivation, terror, and a Puritan woman's struggle to maintain outward calm while frightened and seething with rage is a study in humanity, forgiveness, trust in God, and the evil humans can inflict on one another in His name.
October 11, 2024
Certainly an improvement on book 1.
Pamela Belle has created a wonderful plot with twists and turns which retain your interest but as with the first book, indulges too much in unnecessary description and pontification.
I remind myself of the saying “ if you can use a short descriptive word why look for a long one”
Good story and characters & enjoyed the read
Pamela Belle has created a wonderful plot with twists and turns which retain your interest but as with the first book, indulges too much in unnecessary description and pontification.
I remind myself of the saying “ if you can use a short descriptive word why look for a long one”
Good story and characters & enjoyed the read
October 27, 2017
"England lies quiet after the ravages of Civil War. But in Somerset, at Wintercombe, the death of George St Barbe will change forever the course of events, leaving the rest of the family with uncertain, uneven destinies..."
Another excellent read in this series.
Another excellent read in this series.
May 14, 2019
Another good story
A good follow up and continuation of Silence 's journey with a good, happy ending. Loved the introduction to her sister Patience and the role she played in the story.
A good follow up and continuation of Silence 's journey with a good, happy ending. Loved the introduction to her sister Patience and the role she played in the story.
June 2, 2019
Wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the Wintercombe series. The story is intriguing and well-paced with enough historical details to bring realism and suspense. The characters are complex, entertaining and entirely sympathetic. Definitely recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the Wintercombe series. The story is intriguing and well-paced with enough historical details to bring realism and suspense. The characters are complex, entertaining and entirely sympathetic. Definitely recommended!
October 4, 2024
Another wonderful book!
This is the second book in a wonderful series of books by Pamela Belle. I loved the first book so much, I had to buy the second. It didn't disappoint one bit! I hope there is a third!
This is the second book in a wonderful series of books by Pamela Belle. I loved the first book so much, I had to buy the second. It didn't disappoint one bit! I hope there is a third!
February 9, 2020
It seems that so many sequels don’t live up to the original. Not this one! I almost enjoyed this more than the first book, Wintercombe. Highly recommended!
January 19, 2021
A rich continuation of the story with even more depth to the characters
July 25, 2024
4.5 stars
March 4, 2024
The Wintercombe series is so good. The story continues as we follow the fortunes of Silence and Captain Hellier. There is such a real sense of time and place in these novels and the author draws the reader into the story from the first page, to be swept along by so many plot twists and turns. I didn’t want to put it down and look forward to reading book 3.
August 12, 2016
Set in a period after the Civil War, England is just recovering after a long period of strife. At Wintercombe the inhabitants are now trying to get their lives in order, but with difficulty. The lady
at Wintercombe faces a coming winter of knowing definitely that her husband is losing his battle with his life. She now has to find out how she can protect the estate and her children as best as she could.
Silence is a strong chatelaine, but she finds the unfairness of her husband's will is going to divide the family and create dissension. However his death brings about her freedom and a longing for her lost love and the chance to make a new life for herself. She also seeks settlement for her young children in a way which will bring happiness to them.
However the way forward is not smooth. Charles II has again started his encounters into the English countryside and Nick Hellier is part of his brigade. It brings unwarranted attention to the Wintercombe household and suspicion on the whole family which can lead to forfeiture of their lands, unnecessary focus on the household and even jail for its inhabitants for treason.
With one member of the family disloyal to the whole, the entire structure can be torn apart and the security and strength of Wintercombe destroyed with one rash act and this is what eventually happens. How the family holds on together subsequent to this and support each other hoping that they can recover from this grievous blow is beautifully told.
Characterization was spot on in this story. Each family member had strengths and weaknesses which were very apt and added to the interest of the story. Historically the details were descriptive and for readers who like historical fiction, this book would be an interesting read.
at Wintercombe faces a coming winter of knowing definitely that her husband is losing his battle with his life. She now has to find out how she can protect the estate and her children as best as she could.
Silence is a strong chatelaine, but she finds the unfairness of her husband's will is going to divide the family and create dissension. However his death brings about her freedom and a longing for her lost love and the chance to make a new life for herself. She also seeks settlement for her young children in a way which will bring happiness to them.
However the way forward is not smooth. Charles II has again started his encounters into the English countryside and Nick Hellier is part of his brigade. It brings unwarranted attention to the Wintercombe household and suspicion on the whole family which can lead to forfeiture of their lands, unnecessary focus on the household and even jail for its inhabitants for treason.
With one member of the family disloyal to the whole, the entire structure can be torn apart and the security and strength of Wintercombe destroyed with one rash act and this is what eventually happens. How the family holds on together subsequent to this and support each other hoping that they can recover from this grievous blow is beautifully told.
Characterization was spot on in this story. Each family member had strengths and weaknesses which were very apt and added to the interest of the story. Historically the details were descriptive and for readers who like historical fiction, this book would be an interesting read.
October 19, 2021
Silence St Barbes unpleasant husband George has finally died, leaving several annoying and unfair clauses in his will. Rachael has to marry the man her father's chosed lest she lose her dowry, and Silence finds she can only remain at Wintercombe on Nats sufferance.
Tabby is determined to track down Nick Hellier and reunite him with her mother, but things go awry, as he is in the army of Charles Stuart on the eve of a failed invasion.
Hunted by the Roundheads, Nick takes shelter at Wintercombe, hidden by the children (including his secret daughter Kate), but a jealous and bitter Rachael betrays them, and nearly leads the family to their doom
Enjoyable but not as gripping as the first book. Seemed a little drawn out, and the subplot of the wicked lawyer trying to blackmail Silence was a bit unnecessary, still, a great read
Tabby is determined to track down Nick Hellier and reunite him with her mother, but things go awry, as he is in the army of Charles Stuart on the eve of a failed invasion.
Hunted by the Roundheads, Nick takes shelter at Wintercombe, hidden by the children (including his secret daughter Kate), but a jealous and bitter Rachael betrays them, and nearly leads the family to their doom
Enjoyable but not as gripping as the first book. Seemed a little drawn out, and the subplot of the wicked lawyer trying to blackmail Silence was a bit unnecessary, still, a great read
August 2, 2011
After the ending of Wintercombe, the reader is left aching to know: what happened to them all? What happened to Silence when George came home? What happened to Nick?
So this follow up novel is a must-read for Wintercombe fans. The horrid Cavaliers are gone but the addition of Patience keeps the book from being too dull. The story is wonderful and it is bliss to visit again with all the same characters (except for Rachel).
Not as nail biting or lovely as Wintercombe, but still a very very good read and a satisfying conclusion to the story of Silence and Nick.
So this follow up novel is a must-read for Wintercombe fans. The horrid Cavaliers are gone but the addition of Patience keeps the book from being too dull. The story is wonderful and it is bliss to visit again with all the same characters (except for Rachel).
Not as nail biting or lovely as Wintercombe, but still a very very good read and a satisfying conclusion to the story of Silence and Nick.
August 27, 2012
I was really eager to start Wintercombe book #2, but this book fell short for me. There was way too much drama and I didn't like some of the love interests of my favorite characters. It was nice to see Silence and Nick's reunion, but overall too much of a ride. I also didn't like the introduction to Silence's sister Patience.
I have no interest in continuing this series.
I have no interest in continuing this series.
August 10, 2011
A satisfying follow-up to Wintercombe, for the most part. The tension of the earlier book was missing, though, and there was far too much time spent on the thoroughly unsympathetic character of Rachel.
February 22, 2010
At times this sequel to Wintercombe was a bit unbelievable, but, who cares? Pamela Belle is a great storyteller!
June 9, 2011
comfy reading,,,:)
August 2, 2012
The saga of the St. Barbe family continues with book two. This is 17th century England at it's best.
April 14, 2013
what a good book. the reviews didn't do it justice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I cant wait to.read the third in its series.
August 30, 2014
Book of of Wintercombe saga.
Silence and Nick get their HEA, along with Nat and Rachael.
Available on Open Library
Silence and Nick get their HEA, along with Nat and Rachael.
Available on Open Library
September 28, 2016
Such a lovely and sweet love story!
January 3, 2017
Awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!! Even better than the first one!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews