The Eagle and the Lion” is a vintage tale of adventure, love, adversity, and life’s challenges and rewards. The sequel to “A Strange Turn of Fortune, this novel, “A Matter of Honor” is the second volume in the six-book series. It tells the further adventures of John and Anne Hamilton and their closest friends, Daniel and Hannah Browne.
A Matter of Honor chronicles their journey from England to Virginia where the reader is introduces to a new cast of characters who will play significant roles in future volumes. Forced to return to England, John and Anne are brought into close association with foes who would see their love torn apart.
Pacific Book Review - Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
The Eagle and the Lion: A Matter of Honor by author Laurel Robinson is a heartwarming historical novel set in Yorktown, Virginia. This is the second of a six-part series following John and Anne from England to Virginia, and back to England again.
The novel takes us on a journey through the lives of the characters as they navigate the challenges of the time[.] Anne and John's love story is beautifully written, with the two characters learning to trust and support each other through difficult times. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the rich historical detail, which brings the setting and time period to life. Robinson does an excellent job of capturing the sights, sounds, and feelings of the time, making the readers feel like they are truly a part of the story.
The plot along with the variety of characters makes for an interesting page turner. The Eagle and the Lion can be a fast read, leaving the reader hungry for the next part of the story. It is refreshing to know there is more to the characters’ lives as the ending does not truly put an end to the story.
The book’s romantic aspect is what keeps the story interesting, however the novel also explores themes of loyalty, family, and the importance of standing up for what is right. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and meaning to the events that unfold. The characters are also well-developed and relatable, with their own motivations and flaws. The dialogue is easy to follow and makes the book flow very nicely.
Overall, The Eagle and the Lion: A Matter of Honor is a beautifully written and engrossing historical novel that will transport readers back in time to the tumultuous days of the American Revolution. Whether you are a history buff - or simply looking for a captivating story, this novel is sure to satisfy.
book review by Kat Kennedy
"John, Anne, and Daniel made their way down the gangplank to the docks lugging their trunks and bundles with them."
The second of a six-part series, this novel begins with the return of Anne to America with her new husband, John, and his best friend, Daniel. After being married in France, the couple travels to Anne’s hometown of Yorktown, VA, for a long visit with her family. An accomplished horse trainer, Daniel works out a deal with Anne’s father to train the horses of his large estate. John, however, faces several obstacles which pose a threat to his and Anne’s continued happiness. One from his past has resurfaced, and the outcome of a legal problem will determine the couple’s future. Having only military experience, he is tempted by the offer of a new commission, and he and Anne return to England. Will John take the commission, or will he and Anne return to her beloved family and farm?
Robinson draws a fascinating picture of life in the early nineteenth Century. Her eye for detail as she describes the many aspects of farm life in America helps to paint a picture of the growing young country. Trouble with Native Americans, the carryover of English Common Law, the absence of an aristocracy, and the disillusionment of those who have lost much during the Revolution are all addressed. When John and Anne return to England to hear of his new commission, the stark differences between England and America are apparent. The characters are well-rounded, and the plot has many interesting twists that keep the reader engaged. The novel can be read as a stand-alone because an excerpt from the first book helps bring readers up to speed with the saga’s plot. Those who enjoy historical fiction will find much to like about Robinson’s work, and the book’s ending will have fans eagerly reaching for the next in the series.
Her protestations had not gone unheard. As she turned to leave, she came face-to-face with General Armstrong with John right behind him. He asked, “Is this gentleman annoying you?”
Looking Sir Edmund up and down, she replied indignantly, “I see no gentleman here, and, yes, he is annoying me. He came here uninvited, had made unwanted advances, and when asked to withdraw, he refuses to do so! He also impugned my honor by trying to convince me to cuckold my husband!”
At this John angrily started forward toward Edmund, but the general stopped him. “Attend,” he said quietly to him. Turning to Sir Edmund, General Armstrong said tersely, “Apologize to this lady immediately and withdraw.
Oozing charm, Sir Edmund said, “My apologies, to you madam, if I misrepresented myself. Surely, this is merely a misunderstanding, you not being English and thus unfamiliar with our ways.”
Anne’s eyes flashed. “I misunderstood nothing! You made your intensions quite clear!”
“My dear lady; I assure you, it was not my intent to impugn your honor, nor that of your husband,” he cooed. “Why, I would never ask such a thing of a lady! You were alone and I was merely providing some company and some measure of protection.”
“You must think me quite the simpleton and that I would stand here blithely and listen to you twist your lies to your advantage! How dare you!” she snapped. “Not only have you insulted me, but you have disparaged these two gentlemen, both wearing the uniform of your country!” She was angry now and her face was flushed with emotion. “These men and others like them, fought to keep you safe here at home so you could prance around in your silk britches and wave your perfumed handkerchief; all the while looking down your nose at those you deem your inferiors! Good men bled and many died. I was there, I tended my husband’s wounds and this is how you repay him? By trying to seduce his wife and cuckold him?! Shame on you, sir, shame on you! You are not fit to wipe his boots!”
Before she could launch another stream of vitriol, General Armstrong spoke. “Sir Edmund, your reputation as a rake and a reprobate has preceded you, and, once again, you have lived up to that stature,” he said, curtly. “I did not approve of your being invited here tonight, but the invitations had already been sent and accepted before I learned of it.”
“I assure you, General Armstrong, the rumors surrounding me are most exaggerated. True I appreciate beauty, wherever I find it, but I would never go to such lengths as my enemies have suggested,” said Sir Edmund, elegantly.
General Armstrong was not convinced. “Given the choice between your word and Mrs. Hamilton’s; it is without hesitation that I choose hers. You will return to your room immediately and in the morning, at first light, you will leave this house and not return!”
Sir Edmund shrugged nonchalantly, bowed slightly, smiled his crooked smile, and moved toward the French doors. Anne, further angered at his smirky demeanor, launched her final assault. “You are not worthy of your title!” she shouted after him.
Sir Edmund disappeared through the French doors, but he did not do as he was ordered. Instead he returned to Lady Armstrong and secluded himself in a dark corner. The shadows hid his features enough that he was certain he had became just another figure in a ballroom full of guests.
Edmund Woodforde never allowed any emotion other than charm to show on his face; but his closest friends learned to recognize the one tell-tale sign that bespoke his true feelings. When he was displeased, the corners of his mouth tightened, even when he smiled. Such was the case when he joined Lady Armstrong. She recognized it immediately and greeted him with a smirk and a goblet of wine. “I told you she would not succumb, now you owe me 100 pounds,” she said smugly.
“I am not put off that easily,” Edmund, replied coldly, taking the glass. “Let us double our wager. The deed will be done before noon tomorrow.”