EVELYN TIDMAN
Bringing History Alive
REVIEWS
On Amazon.co.uk Kindle Store
KINDLE AND PAPERBACK
through Amazon (click to buy)
A Rip Roaring Read, 28 July 2013
By
Jack Renouf "JR" (UK) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE, The Adventures of Bartholomew Roberts - Pirate (Kindle Edition)
I love novels about seafaring and have read virtually everything about the Napoleonic era especially Hornblower and Kydd so this was a bit of a leap backwards in time and what a great journey it was. Because the story was based on such meticulous research the author writes with great confidence and that inspires the reader. Bart Roberts would have been a formidable fictional invention but to discover that he was real and his adventures true was a great bonus. I read of lot of books where the balance between "show and tell" is often badly distorted but this author demonstrates commendable skill in presenting a dynamic, descriptive and authentic account which receives my ultimate accolade of being a heavy-weight historical page turner! Highly recommended. Her new novel, 'One Small Candle' is already heading towards my kindle. We are going to read a lot more from this author!
5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting insight into the life of Pirate Bartholomew Roberts 12 Nov 2012
By JU
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have just reached the end of Bartholomew's adventures and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. A good mix of fact, with some fiction along the way, the story held my interest and made me want to keep reading, always a sign of a good book. It was fascinating to gain an insight into the life of a pirate - from the tribulations of day to day hard graft, to the exultation of the spoils, and of course the ever present danger of being captured - the ultimate penalty. Mix with this the lovely Lucia and the boundaries of proper behaviour of the time, and it all comes together as an exciting journey through Bartholomew's short but actioned packed life. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all
Comment |
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reading. 6 April 2013
By mariesam
Format:Kindle Edition
As this is a new author I didn't expect it to be as good as it is. But was up reading until 2.00am last night because I couldn't put it down. Well worth the read I highly recommend the book. Haven,t got to the end yet but looking forward to that tonight.
Amazon.com: 4.5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Highly interesting read 26 Mar 2013
By Greg Chapman - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
I didn't really know what to expect when I first got this ebook. As a big fan of Pirates of the Caribbean and the classic pirate films like Captain Blood and of the Pirate 'mythology', I wasn't sure whether a book that dealt with a real pirate would match these for excitement and interest. Of course being a history lover and writer myself I should have known better, and this story shows just how interesting the life of a law abiding citizen turned pirate could be, and balances out a lot of the myths of pirates with a story that is very rooted in the real day to day life of pirates. The historical information is slid in well, and rarely takes you out of the narrative. Worth a read if you have an interest in the history of piracy.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read! 17 Mar 2013
By Zoe Saadia - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I picked Gentleman of Fortune mostly because of the description. I knew next to nothing about the piracy of the high seas and the slaves and other sort of trade that went on around the globe through the 17th century.
Well, I certainly was not disappointed. From the moment I started this book I was engrossed, in the daily lives of the sailors, pirates or not, and the customs and traditions, and in the wonderful story-line, most of all. It is not a small book, but I finished it in less than a week, turning page after page, irritated when I was interrupted.
Historically this book seems to be researched most thoroughly, presenting us with plenty of interesting customs and dealings of various nations, countries and historical figures. Yet, it is not a heavy read. The story line flowed wonderfully for me, making me root for the main characters (not to admit falling in love with a certain pirates' leader), making me worry about them, grow excited with them or feel sad - a whole gamut of emotions only a good story can awake in you.
I enjoyed this read most thoroughly and I'm sorry the story ended (not like I expected at all, I must to admit). If there was a sequel, I would pick it right away. As it is, I'll be picking this author's next book.
through Amazon (click to buy)
A Rip Roaring Read, 28 July 2013
By
Jack Renouf "JR" (UK) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE, The Adventures of Bartholomew Roberts - Pirate (Kindle Edition)
I love novels about seafaring and have read virtually everything about the Napoleonic era especially Hornblower and Kydd so this was a bit of a leap backwards in time and what a great journey it was. Because the story was based on such meticulous research the author writes with great confidence and that inspires the reader. Bart Roberts would have been a formidable fictional invention but to discover that he was real and his adventures true was a great bonus. I read of lot of books where the balance between "show and tell" is often badly distorted but this author demonstrates commendable skill in presenting a dynamic, descriptive and authentic account which receives my ultimate accolade of being a heavy-weight historical page turner! Highly recommended. Her new novel, 'One Small Candle' is already heading towards my kindle. We are going to read a lot more from this author!
5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting insight into the life of Pirate Bartholomew Roberts 12 Nov 2012
By JU
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have just reached the end of Bartholomew's adventures and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. A good mix of fact, with some fiction along the way, the story held my interest and made me want to keep reading, always a sign of a good book. It was fascinating to gain an insight into the life of a pirate - from the tribulations of day to day hard graft, to the exultation of the spoils, and of course the ever present danger of being captured - the ultimate penalty. Mix with this the lovely Lucia and the boundaries of proper behaviour of the time, and it all comes together as an exciting journey through Bartholomew's short but actioned packed life. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all
Comment |
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reading. 6 April 2013
By mariesam
Format:Kindle Edition
As this is a new author I didn't expect it to be as good as it is. But was up reading until 2.00am last night because I couldn't put it down. Well worth the read I highly recommend the book. Haven,t got to the end yet but looking forward to that tonight.
Amazon.com: 4.5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Highly interesting read 26 Mar 2013
By Greg Chapman - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
I didn't really know what to expect when I first got this ebook. As a big fan of Pirates of the Caribbean and the classic pirate films like Captain Blood and of the Pirate 'mythology', I wasn't sure whether a book that dealt with a real pirate would match these for excitement and interest. Of course being a history lover and writer myself I should have known better, and this story shows just how interesting the life of a law abiding citizen turned pirate could be, and balances out a lot of the myths of pirates with a story that is very rooted in the real day to day life of pirates. The historical information is slid in well, and rarely takes you out of the narrative. Worth a read if you have an interest in the history of piracy.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read! 17 Mar 2013
By Zoe Saadia - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I picked Gentleman of Fortune mostly because of the description. I knew next to nothing about the piracy of the high seas and the slaves and other sort of trade that went on around the globe through the 17th century.
Well, I certainly was not disappointed. From the moment I started this book I was engrossed, in the daily lives of the sailors, pirates or not, and the customs and traditions, and in the wonderful story-line, most of all. It is not a small book, but I finished it in less than a week, turning page after page, irritated when I was interrupted.
Historically this book seems to be researched most thoroughly, presenting us with plenty of interesting customs and dealings of various nations, countries and historical figures. Yet, it is not a heavy read. The story line flowed wonderfully for me, making me root for the main characters (not to admit falling in love with a certain pirates' leader), making me worry about them, grow excited with them or feel sad - a whole gamut of emotions only a good story can awake in you.
I enjoyed this read most thoroughly and I'm sorry the story ended (not like I expected at all, I must to admit). If there was a sequel, I would pick it right away. As it is, I'll be picking this author's next book.
KINDLE AND PAPERBACK
through
Amazon (click to buy)
5.0 out of 5 stars "One Small Candle" the story of our Pilgrim Fathers and the birth of the "New World", August 31, 2013
By
Cathy - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: One Small Candle: The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Paperback)
"One Small Candle" the story of our Pilgrim Fathers and the birth of the "New World"
"One Small Candle" is the true story of the voyage of the "Mayflower" and our Pilgrim Fathers. As Separatists in England there was much opposition to their faith. They then fled to Holland and later to the New World. Leaving family and many loved ones behind. The hardships they endured on the voyage, building a colony, sickness, death and near starvation more than once, almost shattered their dream.
William Bradford is elected Governor by colonists when they arrive in the New World after the death of their first governor John Carver, shortly after their arrival. Williams determination gives them the strength to go on, yet his heart aches for a forbidden love he felt behind. It is an account of great difficulties. Landing in Plymouth in November of 1620 with winter fast approaching. Where there are no shelters, no people nothing but woods and trees almost down to the sea. Before going ashore from the "Mayflower" they discussed the need for "laws and rules by which they would all abide by and agree to, themselves as well as everyone who comes after in order that this "new land" would not fall into anarchy and disorder". They then drew up a contract which they called the "Mayflower Compact" and each man in turn signed the agreement. William had enlisted the help of Miles Standish, a seasoned army captain who would assist them in instructions of self defense which they would need to know in the event of an attack.
This beautifully written, extremely well researched account of the "Mayflower" and the settling of Plymouth, New England is a historical novel that everyone should read. We all should have the knowledge of what determined, regular people can accomplish when the desire of freedom is in their hearts. The sacrifices, the loss of loved ones and the hardships they endured from the moment they made the decision to board the "Mayflower" and start a colony in the "New World".
As for myself, I have spent a great deal of time researching my ancestry, and found that one of my own ancestors arrived on the "Mayflower". How exciting to discover Evelyn's "One Small Candle" the account of some of the most important people in the History of America. Evelyn's writing style is beautifully descriptive and detailed. She brings History alive for the reader and allows them to step into the "past" and into the lives of these incredible people. Without books like this, we can never truly appreciate or even dream of the hardships these amazing people endured.
This book will go with the research of my ancestry, to be read again and shared with family so that we will never forget.
I do though think that there needs to be a sequel, I was disappointed to have it end!
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating background to the "Pilgrim Fathers"story 27 May 2013
By alison
Amazon Verified Purchase
Really well researched and interesting. Readers really feel for what they endured and why they endured. Wish I could write like this.
5.0 out of 5 stars a good way to learn history, 17 Aug 2013
By
shirley - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: ONE SMALL CANDLE, The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Kindle Edition)
Visited Boston recently and saw names of families who sailed on the Mayflower and wanted to learn more but in an entertaining way - not just dry historical facts. Very informative but an easy read with a good story. Would thoroughly recommend.
Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tale of the Pilgrims in Plymouth 6 May 2013
By Zoe Saadia - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase
"As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many..."
"One Small Candle" is a beautiful story about the community of Separatists who just wanted to worship their god in the way they saw fit. Their adventures as they fled to Holland, to relocated to Americas later, are staggering. The hardships they had to overcome were incredible. Without reading this beautifully presented account (or researching this particular history) one would never be able to grasp the extend of this "adventure". All we know are the results. But the road itself was incredible, breathtaking, frightening and exciting at the same time. I think everyone should read this book, for the sake of learning history in a friendly way as much as for the sake of a great story. To meet the historical characters brought to live so vividly, so humanly, felt like a privilege to me. For what is history if not lives of regular people, with their basic needs, strengths, weaknesses and desires? Even if those people did eventually come to be remembered in history books. Will Bradford, for one, was there not for the sake of making USA possible. He was there to take care of his people and his community. And he is only one of the historical people, main characters of this story, those whom I grew to regard as my friends while reading this book.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating background to the "Pilgrim Fathers"story, 27 May 2013
By
alison - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: ONE SMALL CANDLE, The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Kindle Edition)
Really well researched and interesting. Readers really feel for what they endured and why they endured. Wish I could write like this.
I wish this story was longer :-)
through
Amazon (click to buy)
5.0 out of 5 stars "One Small Candle" the story of our Pilgrim Fathers and the birth of the "New World", August 31, 2013
By
Cathy - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: One Small Candle: The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Paperback)
"One Small Candle" the story of our Pilgrim Fathers and the birth of the "New World"
"One Small Candle" is the true story of the voyage of the "Mayflower" and our Pilgrim Fathers. As Separatists in England there was much opposition to their faith. They then fled to Holland and later to the New World. Leaving family and many loved ones behind. The hardships they endured on the voyage, building a colony, sickness, death and near starvation more than once, almost shattered their dream.
William Bradford is elected Governor by colonists when they arrive in the New World after the death of their first governor John Carver, shortly after their arrival. Williams determination gives them the strength to go on, yet his heart aches for a forbidden love he felt behind. It is an account of great difficulties. Landing in Plymouth in November of 1620 with winter fast approaching. Where there are no shelters, no people nothing but woods and trees almost down to the sea. Before going ashore from the "Mayflower" they discussed the need for "laws and rules by which they would all abide by and agree to, themselves as well as everyone who comes after in order that this "new land" would not fall into anarchy and disorder". They then drew up a contract which they called the "Mayflower Compact" and each man in turn signed the agreement. William had enlisted the help of Miles Standish, a seasoned army captain who would assist them in instructions of self defense which they would need to know in the event of an attack.
This beautifully written, extremely well researched account of the "Mayflower" and the settling of Plymouth, New England is a historical novel that everyone should read. We all should have the knowledge of what determined, regular people can accomplish when the desire of freedom is in their hearts. The sacrifices, the loss of loved ones and the hardships they endured from the moment they made the decision to board the "Mayflower" and start a colony in the "New World".
As for myself, I have spent a great deal of time researching my ancestry, and found that one of my own ancestors arrived on the "Mayflower". How exciting to discover Evelyn's "One Small Candle" the account of some of the most important people in the History of America. Evelyn's writing style is beautifully descriptive and detailed. She brings History alive for the reader and allows them to step into the "past" and into the lives of these incredible people. Without books like this, we can never truly appreciate or even dream of the hardships these amazing people endured.
This book will go with the research of my ancestry, to be read again and shared with family so that we will never forget.
I do though think that there needs to be a sequel, I was disappointed to have it end!
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating background to the "Pilgrim Fathers"story 27 May 2013
By alison
Amazon Verified Purchase
Really well researched and interesting. Readers really feel for what they endured and why they endured. Wish I could write like this.
5.0 out of 5 stars a good way to learn history, 17 Aug 2013
By
shirley - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: ONE SMALL CANDLE, The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Kindle Edition)
Visited Boston recently and saw names of families who sailed on the Mayflower and wanted to learn more but in an entertaining way - not just dry historical facts. Very informative but an easy read with a good story. Would thoroughly recommend.
Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tale of the Pilgrims in Plymouth 6 May 2013
By Zoe Saadia - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase
"As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many..."
"One Small Candle" is a beautiful story about the community of Separatists who just wanted to worship their god in the way they saw fit. Their adventures as they fled to Holland, to relocated to Americas later, are staggering. The hardships they had to overcome were incredible. Without reading this beautifully presented account (or researching this particular history) one would never be able to grasp the extend of this "adventure". All we know are the results. But the road itself was incredible, breathtaking, frightening and exciting at the same time. I think everyone should read this book, for the sake of learning history in a friendly way as much as for the sake of a great story. To meet the historical characters brought to live so vividly, so humanly, felt like a privilege to me. For what is history if not lives of regular people, with their basic needs, strengths, weaknesses and desires? Even if those people did eventually come to be remembered in history books. Will Bradford, for one, was there not for the sake of making USA possible. He was there to take care of his people and his community. And he is only one of the historical people, main characters of this story, those whom I grew to regard as my friends while reading this book.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating background to the "Pilgrim Fathers"story, 27 May 2013
By
alison - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: ONE SMALL CANDLE, The Story of William Bradford and the Pilgrim Fathers (Kindle Edition)
Really well researched and interesting. Readers really feel for what they endured and why they endured. Wish I could write like this.
I wish this story was longer :-)
