A Flash of Scarlet

Conyngton #4

by Sylvia Thorpe

From the moment young Major Bradwell rescued the lovely Imelda from the two drunken louts at the inn, the spark of love struck hard. But their romance seemed doomed. Sir Darrell Conyngton, awaiting Cousin Imelda, who was coming to act as companion for his wife, Charity, was opposed to the politics of the young major.

Charity's heart went out to her unhappy kinswoman. She deeply understood the agony of lost love. But there was something far worse in store for all of them.

For the talk of witchcraft that had been terrifying the village was coming very close to Conyngton. Too close. And once again Charity and Darrell were in danger of losing their home - and each other.

Genres: Historical Romance

Mass Market Paperback

First published April 12, 1978

About the author

June Sylvia Thimblethorpe was born in 1926 in London, England. Educated in London at a school in Brondesbury, Kilburn High School for Girls, Slade School of Fine Arts, and University College. She worked as secretary from 1949 to 1952 and later she worked as school teacher.

As Sylvia Thorpe, she wrote over 25 historical romance novels from 1950 to 1983. Her novel "The Scapegrace" (1971) won the Elizabeth Goudge Historical Award. She was the third elected Chairman (1965-1967) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was named a Honor Life Member of the organization.

Sylvia is now a trustee for the Goodrich Village Hall Trust. Goodrich is a village, in south Herefordshire which is very close to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean situated near the River Wye and is famous for its old red sandstone Norman and medieval castle.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth and final book in the Conyngton series, and one which I enjoyed very much.

The year is now 1655. Cromwell is still controlling England, and the post-war peace in the village of Conyngton St. John has been rent by suspicion and fanatical claims of witchcraft directed by neighbor against neighbor. No one is safe from the finger of accusation, and it falls to Darrell Conyngton's cousin, Imelda Hallett, to protect her mistress, Charity Conyngton, against mob rule.

But Imelda has her own personal problems to deal with - chief among them the love she feels for the Roundhead soldier, Major Giles Bradwell. Staunch Royalist Darrell Conyngton will never allow his ward and cousin to marry "the enemy", no matter how kind, charming and helpful he has proven to be to the family.

How Imelda and Giles find their happiness, and rout out the coven of witchs, makes for a fun end to an enjoyable series.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series. By the end of the fourth book I was ready to believe in witches. Well written, strong characters, and a very interesting plot.