Scandalous Duchess Paperback – January 1, 2015

I don't often write reviews of items, but after reading this book, I thought it warranted one. First, I do have to say this book had a lot to live up to - "Katherine" by Anya Seton was and continues to be my favorite book, so these historical characters were very precious to me. I ended up devouring it - reading it every chance I could get. It does err a bit in my opinion on the romance side of historical fiction/historical romance. I could have used a bit more historic detail, but the author definitely did her research. What Anne O'Brien really excels at in this novel is depictions of emotional exchanges. The scenes with Katherine and John of Gaunt are very palpable and the dialogue is well written. If you're on the fence about this book and are a lover of historical fiction/historical romance, do pick it up - you will not be disappointed.

A pleasurable read. I have read "Katherine" and the more recent "Mistress of the Monarchy" about Katherine Swynford. There are very few facts about her, and this book seems to take them and invent from there. It is repetitive in some sections, but on the whole a very decent historical fiction novel. The Duke was indeed arrogant and proud, but also loyal and definitely a man of his time. Katherine is spunky and proud. I would recommend "Katherine" for those who want more description of her life at Kettlethorpe, and a deeper discussion of what penalties she might have paid for her love affair. Secondary characters are poorly fleshed, but that era was so full of turbulence and betrayals that it probably would have detracted from the basic story of two people from different backgrounds who fell in love, and the improbable (but historically true) impact of that love.

While weaving through historical accuracy, Anne O'BRIEN gives a wonderful story of John GAUNT, Duke of Lancaster's relationship the Katherine de SWYNFORD, the widow of Sir Hugh de SWYNFORD. Born Katherine de ROET, the daughter of Sir Giles de ROET she was not of royal blood; but was raised by John's mother and had lived among the LANCASTER nobles most of her life. Anne O'BRIEN captures the hardness and the tenderness of Katherine's life who undoubtedly completely loved John on ever level of his being while being willing to sacrifice parts of her very being in order to share her life with him. Anne also captures Katherine's sister, Philippa (married to the famous Geoffrey CHAUCER) emotions and tribulations. VERY well done. :)

I have mixed emotions about this book. In general it is entertaining and historically accurate, but the portrayal of Katherine Swynford is not credible and very much unrealistic (based on how women used to behave and comport themselves in the 14th century).Along the story there's endless descriptions of her feelings...(her thoughts and actions more characteristic of a modern woman... I found myself skipping pages of Katherine analyzing each and every situation)I feel the author should have instead incorporate more narrative about the time period, the customs, clothing, castles, etc.In general it's not a bad book, but not one of my favorite.

OMG, this was a fantastic read. At first I did not want to read this work because I was not a John of Gaunt fan. I read this book in four days because it was riveting and heart-wrenching. Ms. O'Brien can write a story of love and longing like nobody else. I cried through most of the book. I am reading her other novels and I am not disappointed. Great read!

It's historical fiction, about a lady we know little about for sure, so of course there are liberties taken w/ history. However, I liked it every bit as much as Anya Seton's "Katherine", and it's actually much more in keeping with what probably happened in Katherine Swynford's life during her "split" from John of Gaunt. Of course there's a lot of fluff, but you tear through all 500 pages quickly. Great if you're looking for mindless escapism.

A very well written historical fiction novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. The book arrived in great condition within an acceptable timeframe. (It came from the U.K. To the U.S.A) I would purchase from this seller again without any qualms. This author is going to be one I keep purchasing books by , simply because they are very engrossing.

I did not think Anna Seton could be beat when it came to writing about English history, but I think Anne O'Brien may have accomplished it. I enjoyed this book very much. I will be reading the rest of her books. I highly recommend this book to anyone but those interested in Katherine Swynford will really love it.