Born in London, the city's colourful history has always been part of my life. At one time I haunted the National Portrait Gallery, where a painting of James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, caught my attention.

Fascinated by the tragedy of this illegitimate son of Charles II, I chose it as a backdrop to a story about an Exeter girl and her family, caught up in the Rebellion of 1685. The story changed over the years, as did the characters and their location, but essentially, it stayed with me, although I never described the closely typed pages as a manuscript.

When I decided to find out if I could actually write, I met Lisa Yarde online; a lovely, generous lady with an old spirit. Lisa encouraged me to submit my embryo novel to a Historical Fiction Critique Group. The group moderator, Anne Whitfield, a wonderful author herself, told me I had a good story, I simply had to learn how to write it.

The novel went through an evolutionary process and I discovered Anne was right, the original story now benefits from some polish and reads like a proper novel!

Now I can't stop writing.

Lisa has also become a good friend and I'm thrilled to say she is about to be published too. Her Medieval novel, 'Bound By Blood' is due for release soon from Enspiren Press

I have learned so much from members of the Historical Fiction Critique Group, through both giving and receiving critiques. Their stories range from ancient civilisations to Regency England. I'm convinced some of them will be published soon - and I got to read them first!

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Amazon.com: Duking Days Rebellion Duking Days Revolution

Her debut novel, Duking Days Rebellion was released in July 2007 by Canadian publishing house, Enspiren Press.

Duking Days Rebellion from Enspiren Press

Published July 2007 about an Exeter family caught up in the Western Rising of 1685

Helena Woulfe, the daughter of a wealthy Exeter nobleman leads a privileged life. However, King Charles II's reign ends, so does her innocence. Rebellion sweeps the West Country and leaving her on the road searching for her missing father and brother after Monmouth's bloody defeat in battle at Sedgemoor . Her life is torn apart when soldiers ransack her home and the family estate is confiscated by the crown. Helena and her younger brother Henry, seek refuge with a family who take them in, but King James wants revenge. Bereft and abandoned, they go to London . Helena hopes the city will overlook their past and she can make a new life for herself, and perhaps find love.

Duking Days Rebellion by Anita Davison

……..If you love historical romances, this is a book you should be clamoring to get...……….Her descriptions are so accurate and detailed, you would swear she had lived in that time period. Ms. Davison has struck gold with her first book and has won reader loyalty from this reviewer.

Historical Novel Reviews

……. Well researched, the novel evokes strong emotion pertaining to the rebellion and the state of the country afterwards. ……. A tremendous novel that accurately depicts the era.

Romance Junkies Blue Ribbon Reviews - Blue Ribbon Rating: 4

A powerful story that gives insight into this particular time in English history and is recommended especially to those readers that enjoy historical books.

Astounding Debut Author by Ginger Simpson Author

I've always hated reading about English history... found it dry and boring, UNTIL, I discovered Duking Days. New author, Anita Davison, has such a flare with descriptions and emotions that you'll find yourself pulled into the story and won't want to leave until the book ends... then you'll be upset that it's over.

Anne Whitfield – Author of Kitty McKenzie

For those who love well researched historical novels, don't pass up Duking Days by Anita Davison…….. a satisfying read, and a definite keeper.

Kim Smith - Author

Anita Davison has given an awesome re-enacting of the era surrounding this troubled time in the last battle on English soil. Using actual historical events, she weaves a rich tapestry transcending time and space, taking the reader on a slow trip through the countryside and a peek into its dangers.

Kathryn Taylor – Regency Romance Author

Anita Davison has an uncanny talent when it comes to bringing the turmoil and romance of the 17th century to life. You will fall in love with her heroine, Helena, whose story makes for an exciting read. I highly recommend it.

Diane Scott Lewis - Author

Relive the past with this fascinating journey into the 17th century. …….You will taste, smell, hear and feel the struggles of this young woman as she's forced to grow up in the turbulent times of English rebellion……. you won't want to miss this intriguing tale.

Duking Days Revolution

The sequel, Duking Days Revolution was published May 2008 and follows the characters' lives through the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Helena Woulfe has put the horrors of the Monmouth Rebellion behind her and the respectability and security she always wanted. Her brother Aaron is in Holland with the Prince of Orange, and surely what he plans is treason? While Henry carries his own sorrow, pining for another man's wife. Prince William arrives in England to re-establish the Anglican Church, and when riots break out in London , Helena is forced to flee from her home - again. Guy Palmer grows more prosperous and their marriage is happy, until Helena 's discovery of her husband's weakness drives her into an unwise liaison and she learns there is a price to pay for recklessness and keeping secrets. While Helena strives to keep what she holds dear, can she and her brothers attain what they desire and above all, will the Woulfe siblings ever learn the fate of their missing Father?

Ginger Simpson, Author

Damp eyed and a much wiser about English history………I cannot tell you how much I love her writing. Warning… you’ll fall in love with each character and at the end you might even have an accent.

Historical Novel Reviews by Mirella Patzer

…. a "must read" for everyone who is interested in this era and who wants to experience how the politics of the time affected individual citizens and forever altered so many innocent and not so innocent lives.





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