A Strange Turn of Fortune

With adventure, drama, and romance around every corner, you will be swept into the saga of three remarkable families linked and united by love and blood. Challenged by the trials and tribulations of life they are a resilient breed, determined to survive and thrive in the early years of 19th Century Virginia. Will they overcome the challenges of foes, seen and unseen and keep the bonds of love unbroken? Historical fiction comes to life in this vintage tale of adventure, love, loss, and new beginnings. Anne, the lovely daughter of William Morgan, has abandoned all hope of love, until she meets the dashing Major John Hamilton of King George III's 95 Regiment of Foot. Fresh from the battlefields of France and Spain, he rescues Anne after she is thrown overboard into the raging sea. His closest friend, Daniel Browne, quickly recognizes their inevitable destiny and is determined to bring them together, But, he must first break through John Hamilton's unwillingness to reconsider love after his disastrous marriage to his late wife. Will Daniel prevail and unite two would-be sweethearts, both left cynical from the betrayals of past lovers? A Strange Turn of Fortune is the first book in this saga of unforgettable characters as they chart their way through the highs and lows of life, love, and the complicated societal norms of post Napoleonic England and America.US Review of Books
Author Robinson shows a particular talent for catching the tenor of the times. Her descriptions of atmosphere, place, and environment are filled with authentic detail, as is her recreation of the behavioral norms of the period. Her writing has a restrained quality that feels absolutely appropriate for the story being told. Plus, this tome is only the beginning, merely the first in a series of books that revolve around Anne and John's life together. Aficionados of historical fiction who find this sort of narrative appealing will likely want to seek out subsequent volumes, as well.
Pacific Book Review
Set in the early 19th century, The Eagle and the Lion: A Strange Turn of Fortune captures all the stiff social etiquette and stoic sexual norms befitting the period. Irony is added to the mix when a British army commander extends kindness to an American caught in the throes of misfortune. Sexual tension is light and slowly builds as John and Anne come to terms with their attraction.
Robinson divides her plot into three sections with renumbered chapters, Robinson's plot focuses on visual storytelling with tight dialogue to keep a steady narrative flow from beginning to end. The detailed portrayals serve a dual purpose. Weaving factual information-the sights, sounds, and smells of a distant era-into fiction is first and foremost. Robinson does a stellar job making the period come alive with vivid pictures across the board (i.e., places, food, and clothing). Concurrently, she provides clarity to her colorful cast-her protagonists (Anne and John), as well as her cameo and supportive characters.
Cliffhanging chapters slowly but consistently move one to the other and are punctuated with twists and turns. Closing on a great lead-in to the next installment of Robinson's saga, The Eagle and the Lion: A Strange Turn of Fortune will not disappoint for those who enjoy a piece of historical fiction replete with descriptive language.