Bridget 'Biddy' Cromwell feels like she is destined for more than just being a wife and mother. But perhaps, with the right man, she can do both? And when her father starts to climb the ranks of the Parliamentary army, she might get the opportunity of a lifetime...

The most striking thing about this book is how well it humanises Oliver Cromwell. You see him as a real family man; down on all fours playing with the children, his deep suffering at the loss of his older sons, his doting on his daughters and his trust in his wife. Likewise, he is painted here as a somewhat reluctant participant in the dethroning of a King; his desire for a new order is tempered by his understanding that too much change might not be accepted, and a respect for the old order. It's a far cry from the wart-faced stick in the mud killjoy you learn about in school! That's not to say that some of his darker side isn't referenced here, but where the story isn't absolutely centred around him, it's far from the main focus.

The story is very much told through the female gaze, with the main character being essentially held to the domestic sphere. However, it does come with modern sensibilities in her feeling that she can do more. She views her potential marriage as a business transaction which will in turn free her to see a bit more of the world and have some influence, even if it's indirect. It is a nice illustration of how women at this time could potentially hold a little power, and find some semblance of independence within a naturally dependant position. 

I can't say I was overawed by the story itself; there's certainly nothing wrong with it, but it does have quite a generic feel. The blurb doesn't have a huge resemblance to the content; it makes it sound like there's far more intrigue and drama than there is. But it was readable and enjoyable, and it did the job of transporting me back to that place and time. The writing flowed well and, after a while, the emotional transfer does kick in, though probably not as strongly as it should. 

Nice for a little introduction to this period; I only have a basic knowledge of this era, but I was able to roughly place the timeline and events, and learn a touch more about the players involved. However, I wouldn't say even that knowledge level is a requirement to read this. Looking forward to the sequel!