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In the Shadow of My Truth

, FSAScot

Published by
Hardiford Publishing Co.
P.O.  Box 520186
Winthrop by the Sea, MA 02152
Tel: 617-846-1692

A review (©, 2006) by the author Dr.  Deborah Richmond Foulkes, FSA Scot
Original Copyright by , FSAScot.  Used by permission of the author.  All rights reserved.  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission of the author.

In the Shadow of My Truth is the second book of the Douglas Trilogy; a tale encompassing the dangerous times during Scotland's Wars for National Independence; written as the sequel to the 'Braveheart' legacy.  The year was 1306; Scotland needed a revolution, a new king to lead her subjects to freedom.  Robert Brus answered the call.  James Douglas joined him.

This is the true story of the Good Sir James, one of Scotland's most beloved knights; the Black Douglas to the English.  It is also the tale of a widow's struggle to revenge her husband's martyred end.  Eleanora Lovaine Douglas inspired her three sons to greatness, instilling her husband's teachings and core values in her children; fulfilling her death bed promise to her loving husband, continuing the fight for Scotland to rid their homeland of Edward's tyranny forever.

As with the first book in the series, My Truth Lies in the Ruins, the author's research is extensive; the facts driving the story.  Nearly three hundred images fill the pages including some instances of original documents and drawings of surviving medieval seals from 14th century documents.  This second volume also includes a Glossary, a Who's Who and maps of locations that are pertinent to the story.

Readers will not forget these Douglases easily after reading In the Shadow of My Truth.  The courage and bravery of the family is poignantly revealed throughout the book; the characters responding to their fate with strength of purpose.  The Douglases' lives were seemingly shattered in 1298 when William le Hardi Douglas, beloved father and husband, was executed in England.  Such grief would have destroyed most but seemed to inspire these doughty Scots to greatness.  The stalwart character of the family, their love and commitment to each other, strengthened their resolve as individuals: the resourceful leadership of Sir James, the Black Douglas, Brus' most loyal adherent; the devotion of Hugh, the canon seeking the life of a healer as his father before him; the patriotism of the wee Archie, a squire following his hero and older brother James to fight for Scotland; and the dedication of their mother, a widow forced to remarry or seek a nunnery, accepting the hand of an English knight to maintain her clandestine support of her sonsÉall in the name of Freedom!

The author has maintained integrity with the story line depicted in contemporary 14th century chronicles while accurately drawing the personalities from their recorded deeds.  The characters seem to walk through the pages of time to express themselves with true conviction that reaches to the very soul of the reader.  The chapters are a source of constant action; with excitement flowing from plots of intrigue and suspicion as Eleanora uncovered an assassination attempt on King Robert the Brus; authentic battle scenes graphically drawn from a soldier's perspective with an accuracy that true warriors can appreciate; honest dialogue expressing deep emotions and real life drama relevant to any era.  In the Shadow of My Truth engages the reader to become part of those tumultuous times of the Scottish Wars for National Independence; historical fiction where only the conversations are imagined.

Paperback: 616 pages
Price, US (Amazon): $35.95
Order securely on-line.

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