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Deborah Swift
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The Gilded Lily: A sweeping historical saga of sisters, courage and love (Westmorland Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Deborah Swift (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,752 ratings

'a fast-paced adventure peopled with ruthless villains and feisty heroines whose exploits grab the imagination and add suspense and excitement to a historical gem." --Lancashire Evening Post

Winter, 1661.
Shy Sadie Appleby has never left her rural home. But one night she is rudely awoken by her older and bolder sister, Ella, who has robbed her employer and is on the run.

Together they flee to London, desperate to lose themselves in the teeming city. Ella, seduced by the glitter and glamour of city life, sets her sights on flamboyant man-about-town, Jay Whitgift, owner of The Gilded Lily -- a beauty parlour for the wives of the London gentry.

But nothing in the city is what it seems, least of all Jay Whitgift. And soon the sisters are threatened by a menace more sinister than the law.

Set in a brilliantly realised 17th Century London, The Gilded Lily is a novel about beauty and desire, about the stories we tell ourselves, and about how sisterhood can be both a burden and a saving grace.

"It's hard to say why you find a novel unputdownable, but I've just spent about 4 hours curled up with the second half, and there was no way I was not going to finish it today!" ★★★★★

"The story line, like a meandering river, was full of unexpected twists and turns which enchanted me and made it very hard to put down."★★★★★

"Brilliant. a cracking good read couldn't put it down, exciting from beginning to end the author really brought the characters to life." ★★★★★

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  1. Book 2 of 2
    Westmorland
  2. Print length
    498 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 17, 2017
  6. File size
    2.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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Quotation from History and Women online magazine

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Quotation from author Susanna Gregory

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In 1660 England, Ella sees the chance to escape the countryside and build a new life in London after the death of her employer. With her sister Sadie in tow, the two escape with valuables from their employer’s house, and with their employer’s twin brother hot on their heels, Ella and Sadie try to disappear into London. Life in the city is not as easy as they had hoped, though. Ella’s acerbic nature costs her a job, but her beauty catches the eye of Jay—a wheeler and dealer with connections to shady characters—who offers Ella a new position. When she realizes that her new opportunity is far from what she expected, Ella is quickly in over her head. Swift creates complex characters whose difficult lives and complicated motivations create compelling drama; the sibling relationship between Ella and Sadie is particularly fraught. Filled with action and sparked with romance, this will please the many fans of Swift’s companion novel, The Lady’s Slipper (2010). --Eve Gaus

Review

'a fast-paced adventure peopled with ruthless villains and feisty heroines whose exploits grab the imagination and add suspense and excitement to a historical gem." --Lancashire Evening Post
'captivating writing makes you feel as if you're in Restoration London alongside the two lead characters of this excellent historical novel. Highly recommended'The Bookbag
'With intriguing characters, an action-packed plot, and history brought to life, this book is a must read. Night Owl Reviews
A heart-rending story of two sisters on the run...beautifully written and meticulously researched...An addictive, page-turning read." ―Mary Sharratt, author of Illuminations
'compelling tale which examines the ties that bind together siblings, the consequences of greed and ambition, the fickleness of fate and women's constant battle to survive in a man's world... a historical gem.' The Visitor
'The Gilded Lily had me hooked from the first chapter - even the first page. I love a book like that - a book that is almost 500 pages but seemed so much less because I wanted more every time I had to put it down. Sadie was a character that just grabbed your heart from the beginning...I loved it.' Peeking Between the Pages Blog
"The Gilded Lily is impeccably written historical fiction. The detail is superb and life in London is so vividly depicted that the city seems to take on its own persona and become a lurking character in the story." Let Them Read Books
"Where the author excels is in making the reader care for the two girls... I thoroughly enjoyed this tale that explored the darker side of Restoration London." Historical Tapestry

'Each character has their own struggles to overcome as circumstances force them to do things and change in ways they would never have dreamed of...I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading Deborah Swift's next." History and Women

'An intricate and fascinating tale of low life in the capital city ...Deborah Swift is an expert on Restoration costume and seemingly everything else about the economic and social life of 17th-century England " Historical Novel SocietyFilled with action and sparked with romance, this will please the many fans of Swift's companion novel, The Lady's Slipper (2010). --Eve Gaus, Booklist

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06ZZWZ5GF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quire Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 17, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 498 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0993567759
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Westmorland
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,752 ratings

About the author

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Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift

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THANK YOU for visiting my author page! As you read this I'll probably be writing from my tall stone house which was once a school and built in 1902. This is a house that is "new" in English terms, as many of our local villages date back to the 1630's or even earlier.

I write historical fiction, a genre I love. I loved the Victorian classics such as Jane Eyre, Little Women, Lorna Doone and Wuthering Heights. As I child I loved to read and when I had read my own library books, I used to borrow my mother's library copies of Anya Seton and Daphne du Maurier. I have loved reading historical novels ever since; though I'm a bookaholic and I read widely - contemporary and classic fiction as well as historicals.

In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing as a scenographer. More details of my research and writing process can be found on my website. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.

I live in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District, a beautiful area made famous by the Romantic Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. I love exploring the mountainous landscapes and interesting coastline near my home.

'Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended. ' The Historical Novels Review.

Visit my website deborahswift.com for a free story,

WW2 Books:

Past Encounters

The Occupation

The Lifeline

The Silk Code

The Italian Renaissance Series:

The Poison Keeper

The Silkworm Keeper

The Fortune Keeper

The Pepys Trilogy:

Pleasing Mr Pepys

A Plague on Mr Pepys

Entertaining Mr Pepys

17th Century Books:

The Lady's Slipper

The Gilded Lily

A Divided Inheritance

Books for Adults/Young Adults:

Shadow on the Highway

Spirit of the Highway

Lady of the Highway

Find me on my website www.deborahswift.com

or on Twitter @swiftstory

or facebook - authordeborahswift

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,752 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical saga engaging with its twists and turns, and one mentions how each chapter kept them wanting more. Moreover, the book is perfect for summer reading, with well-developed characters and quick pacing featuring lots of action. Customers appreciate the writing quality, with one noting its intricate details.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityPacing
38 customers mention "Readability"38 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a perfect summer read that keeps them engaged throughout.

"...and numerous subplots are also well drafted and the reader has no problem following each tale as it weaves in amongst the others...." Read more

"...sisters who escaped their village after robbing a dead man, will hold your interest...." Read more

"Anything I say could not really do justice to this Novel! It s an amazing, exciting tale of two sisters and the love between them, which endured..." Read more

"...their way of maneuvering through the twists and turns makes for a captivating and interesting story." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"15 positive4 negative

Customers praise the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting how they become like friends, and another highlighting the author's skill as a historical fiction writer.

"...The characters are extremely well developed, showing well crafted arcs in behavior, motivation, and character...." Read more

"...The characters become like friends ( except for a distinct few) and linger in your mind and I can't wait to read the third book in this fabulous..." Read more

"...wait to read the next novel by this knowledgeable and skilled historical fiction writer." Read more

"...I felt it was just plodding along. I had difficulty connecting to one of the major characters...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing quality"16 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting its intricate details and another highlighting its vivid atmosphere.

"...you can see the back roads of London’s Friarsgate and the city in all of its mucky glory...." Read more

"...The atmosphere is well done and the descriptions of the life of women was interesting, if gruesome at times...." Read more

"Deborah Swift's style portrays old England in the 1600s vividly and realistically...." Read more

"...The 'hold your breath' till the next page is well done. Well written and edited." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with multiple reviews noting its quick pace and lots of action.

"...That setting Swift did well. I had read the first one in the series some time ago but it is not necessary to understand this one...." Read more

"...between the sisters sizzles as the authorities close in, and the thrilling pace during the story's dramatic climax makes this book impossible to put..." Read more

"Well written, historical fiction. A bit slow at times. Very descriptive and colorful in its details of the scenery and costumes." Read more

"What a book you won't want to put it down! Exciting and tense from beginning to theend. You will enjoy it." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Suzanne G
    5.0 out of 5 stars The a perfect summer read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When I was in high school my favorite thing to do in the summer was to ride my bike to the public library, pick out a nice thick book, and go home and read all day, only stopping for dinner. Reading The Gilded Lily was like taking a trip back in time to those summer days.

    Set in the 17th century England, this is the tale of sisterly love, redemption, and just desserts. The characters are extremely well developed, showing well crafted arcs in behavior, motivation, and character. The plot and numerous subplots are also well drafted and the reader has no problem following each tale as it weaves in amongst the others. The book draws you in so well that you can see the back roads of London’s Friarsgate and the city in all of its mucky glory. You can smell the various odors, you can see the lead paint on the women’s faces, and you can hear the noises of the peddlers, beggars, and carriages.

    Well I loved everything about this book, I was slightly disappointed that one of the characters did not get her just desserts. I think this is mainly because she did show some guilt and repentance at the end. For the rest of the characters, the bad guys got exactly what they deserved, a A father saw his son for what he truly was, and the brother realized that punishing his twin’s murderer was not going to bring him back.

    If anything, I’m sad that I finished this book so quickly. It’s one of those books where you have to sit for a bit before picking up another book, as well as one that has you imagining what the characters did after the book ends. It is the perfect book for summer reading when you’re in a hammock, porch swing, or sitting beside a pool.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Gilded Lily: A sweeping historical data of sisters, rivals, and revenge
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story, about two sisters who escaped their village after robbing a dead man, will hold your interest. We wonder throughout the book of they will ever make it out alive. Will Ella see her sister for who she really is. Thank goodness Dennis shows up and gives them a place to live. Ella moved on but Sadie is stuck in the turmoil of hiding and staying put. I had to read this story quickly as I needed to know what would happen to the girls.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Samantha J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible book!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Anything I say could not really do justice to this Novel! It s an amazing, exciting tale of two sisters and the love between them, which endured great odds! Set in the 1600's in London, it gathers all the seedy characters and aspects of London life at this time. The characters become like friends ( except for a distinct few) and linger in your mind and I can't wait to read the third book in this fabulous trilogy! A must read!
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  • jcwjc
    3.0 out of 5 stars attention to detail, but a bit slow moving to start
    Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I gave this an "average" rating because during the first third of the book I kept wanting to quit reading it. I felt it was just plodding along. I had difficulty connecting to one of the major characters. The plot revolves around two sisters, one I pitied and one that just irritated me. I decided to continue to see if what I wanted to happen to the one I pitied would make her not pitiable at all. I still considered not reading to the end until about the last quarter of the book when the pace finally picked up.
    The atmosphere is well done and the descriptions of the life of women was interesting, if gruesome at times. That was important for the plot and to understand the period. That setting Swift did well. I had read the first one in the series some time ago but it is not necessary to understand this one. This is a fairly dark historical novel, so don't expect sweeping romance or humor. Not a light read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sally J. Taylor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worth your time to read.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This historical fiction set in early England depicting the dramatic struggles of financial crisis, inequalities, social class of a large number of the population describes two young sisters and their decision to take their lives in their own hands in order to escape their despicable conditions. Their journey into even more hardships and their way of maneuvering through the twists and turns makes for a captivating and interesting story.
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  • NWReadingMaven
    5.0 out of 5 stars Two resourceful sisters navigate the gritty, fascinating world of 1660s London
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A fascinating voyage into the gritty underworld of 1660s London, seen through the eyes of two desperate sisters in search of a better future. Swift is a master of historical details and deftly immerses the reader in the seedy back alleys and fog-shrouded banks of the River Thames, a place where life is short and dangerous, and women have few choices or opportunities. Sisters Sadie and Ella arrive in the big city determined to not only survive but thrive. At first, luck is on their side, but a crime they committed before fleeing to London shadows them everywhere they turn. The tension between the sisters sizzles as the authorities close in, and the thrilling pace during the story's dramatic climax makes this book impossible to put down. Swift's London is a feast for the senses, and the harsh world she creates feels chillingly real. I was transported!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Cynthia Neale
    5.0 out of 5 stars A suspenseful and satisfying visit to Old England!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Deborah Swift's style portrays old England in the 1600s vividly and realistically.I am right there running through the streets with my heart pounding, right along with the main characters and sisters, Ella and Sadie. I didn't like Ella (secondary character) in the first book, 'The Lady's Slipper,' but by the middle of The Gilded Lily, I sympathize with her and not only do I want her to get her comeuppance and must keep reading to find out if she indeed does, I also want her to be redeemed. Ella's sister, Sadie, is my favorite and I also must stay with the story to see if she triumphs over her sorrows and predicament. There's suspense, a little romance, and excellent character development. I can't wait to read the next novel by this knowledgeable and skilled historical fiction writer.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wow!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a very interesting story... It was very long but I guess it was all necessary to come to the conclusion it had to come to. Ella and Sadie must have had the good Lord looking out for them for all's well that ends well! Read and enjoy!!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Gene
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful historical drama
    Reviewed in Australia on December 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Fascinating insight into the life of the poor in London in 1661 and the most realistic relationship between two sisters I have ever read. All the characters were amazing. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Excellent companion to The Lady's Slipper. Ms Swift quite justly deserves the title of a historical author, her research is so in-depth.
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  • FireOpal1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Insight
    Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Action packed and a window into the life and times in 1661. The story of 2 sisters bond and adventures.
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  • Tom Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Starts worthy if a bit dull but builds to a gripping climax
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ella and her younger sister Sadie have fled Westmoreland where Ella has robbed her dead master. (How involved was she in the death? It’s not at all clear.) They make their way to London where they soon discover that the money they have stolen is hardly enough to keep them. Their dreams of living as fine ladies meet the reality of life for young women in the mid-17th century city.

    The book accurately reflects the dreariness and misery of life for the working classes of the time. The sisters first find work in a wig factory, their fingers constantly cut as they pull the threads through the hessian of the wigs, their necks and arms stung as their overseer lashes at them if she sees them lift their heads from their work. It’s an excellent historical account, but the drab monotony of their lives can’t help but rub off on the reader. Despite interludes of excitement when they think that their crime in Westmorland might be catching up with them, it can (despite Swift’s easy writing style) be a long and sometimes difficult read.

    Eventually Ella, the more daring of the two, finds work with the distinctly suspect Jay Whitgift, the son of a successful pawnbroker. Ella has hopes of winning Jay’s heart and hence finally escaping from the drudgery of daily life and becoming a respectable woman. It is a measure of Swift’s skill in summoning up the period that we never for a moment think that she will succeed. Other novelists may give us girls who marry rich men and live happily ever after, but Swift is too firmly rooted in the reality of the 17th century to let us believe for a moment that this will not end badly.

    It ends extremely badly indeed. Swift uses the solid historical background of the story to allow her to leap off into something that, without such careful preparation, could easily be completely over- the-top melodrama. Instead, I was gripped as a story of two poor girls making their way in the city turned into a tale of white slavery, murder, arson and a dramatic finale at the Frost Fair held on the frozen Thames. Suddenly I was turning the pages enthusiastically wanting to know if Ella could escape Jay’s murderous plan or if Sadie was indeed condemned to starve, literally locked in a garret.

    'The Gilded Lily' offers an outrageously exciting story in a beautifully detailed period setting. If the beginning seems a little worthy, it’s well worth sticking with.

    Recommended.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of action
    Reviewed in Australia on June 7, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a great read. It was beautifully written. The characters were interesting and diverse. It had lots of detail of how life was back then too.
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  • Phil Syphe
    4.0 out of 5 stars Vivid Portrayal of 17th-Century London
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Although this is a sequel to “The Lady’s Slipper”, it also works perfectly as a stand-alone novel. This is mainly because none of the leading characters from “The Lady’s Slipper” appear in “The Gilded Lily”. Instead, one of the secondary characters from the previous book shares centre stage with a new character. This in itself is an admirable way to write a sequel, as it shows originality and creativity.

    So, the main theme is two young women – sisters Ella and Sadie – who head to London because Ella is suspected of murder. I didn’t warm to Ella and I’m not sure that it was the author’s intention that the reader should warm to her.

    Sadie, on the other hand, immediately gets a sympathy vote because of the birthmark on her face. I liked her easy-going personality and hoped she’d find happiness before the end of the story.

    The plot features many well-written scenes, which vividly bring 17th-century London to life. I could feel the cold when winter struck hard.

    As I’m writing this four years after reading the book, it’s hard to add more, but I do remember thinking that “The Gilded Lily” was a very good read, though not as enthralling as “The Lady’s Slipper”.
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