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Deborah Swift
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Spirit of the Highway (The Highway Trilogy Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Deborah Swift (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 337 ratings

ENGLAND 1651

England is fighting a bitter civil war. Rebellious seventeen-year-old Ralph Chaplin has fallen for beautiful copper-haired Kate. There’s only one problem – he is a Roundhead soldier and she is an aristocrat, a Royalist lady.

Ralph’s father tells Ralph that the battle at Worcester will be a chance to finish the fighting for good. But the battle is not the glorious victory he imagines, and Ralph makes a deadly enemy – an enemy intent on cutting down all those Ralph loves, even when the battle is over. As the danger draws closer, can Ralph protect Kate?

This is the second book in The Highway Trilogy for young adults (and adults!) based on the life and legend of the real Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the heiress and highwaywoman.

'Great story and great storytelling' – Book Nerd Blog

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  1. Book 2 of 3
    The Highway Trilogy
  2. Print length
    212 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 9, 2022
  5. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  6. File size
    755 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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Image of book one in the series Shadow on the Highway

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Image of book three in the series Lady of the Highway

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Editorial Reviews

Review

'a touching story of people divided by class but united by shared beliefs. I look forward to reading the other two as soon as possible!' Andrea Zuvich, historian, author of 'The Stuarts in 100 Facts'

'This is a beautifully written and impressively researched novel. The characterization is lovely too, with the survivor opportunist Downall, the selfish Elizabeth whom I loved to hate, and the needy Cutch who only wanted to belong.' Anita Seymour, author of Royalist Rebel

From the Author

I have enjoyed constructing this trilogy of adventures for young adults based around the real-life story of Lady Katherine Fanshawe (Ferrers) who is  known in legend as 'The Wicked Lady'.
Two films were made about her, and she was famed for her exploits as a highwaywoman. The truth is of course more complex than that, and the factual evidence to support the idea is scanty. However, the background of the English Civil War means that were many dispossessed aristocrats, soldiers, and routed Royalists on the road trying to eke out a living, and its possible Katherine's story might have become embroidered by the exploits of others. Also likely, is that her story might have become associated with a ballad about Maude of Allinghame. 

I have based Katherine's story on the real historical background, with its factions of rebels looking to build a new world in an unstable England. The story is also about her deaf maidservant, Abigail, and the Diggers - a radical sect who believed in communal living and were way ahead of their time. Full historical notes are in the backs of the books.
Spirit of the Highway is the second in the trilogy - a shorter, more lightweight novel than my other books, which sometimes run to more than 400 pages. I hope younger readers might enjoy it, or anyone who wants a quicker, lighter read. The story itself naturally fell into three parts and so it made sense to divide the narrative into three books of about 200 pages each, and form a trilogy. 

Each book is a stand-alone story with a different main character, and this one features Ralph Chaplin, the young man Katherine is supposed to have fallen for. I hope the subject matter will appeal to younger readers of historical fiction - but that is not to say adults won't enjoy it too!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09ZYT7YQP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quire Books; 2nd edition (May 9, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 9, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 755 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1517279488
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 337 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

4.1 out of 5 stars
337 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The suspense never stopped
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great writing and characters. Lots of obstacles and boiling emotions. Great historical fiction. It's not a romance per se, which I enjoyed.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Annette
    4.0 out of 5 stars Spirit Of The Highway is a story of sacrifice, passion, and internal conflict.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2015
    Source: Free copy from Endeavor, and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, in exchange for a review.
    Rating: 4 stars for very good.
    Summary:
    England 1651.
    England has been engaged in a bitter Civil War for nearly ten years. Ralph Chaplin, a farmer’s son, has fallen for beautiful copper-haired Kate. There is only one problem – he is a Roundhead soldier and she is a Royalist lady.
    Tired of bloodshed, Ralph volunteers to fight, sensing that the Battle at Worcester will be a chance to finish the fighting for good. He longs for peace, so he can forge a secure future and find a different, more equal way of life for himself and Kate.
    But war is not what he imagined, and soon he has made a deadly enemy; one who will pursue Ralph and those he loves, and wreak vengeance. What’s more, Ralph finds he has just as many enemies at home, as on the battlefield.
    Told by Ralph’s ghost, Spirit of the Highway is the stand-alone second part of the Highway Trilogy based on the real life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, highway woman, and heiress.

    My Thoughts:
    I enjoyed reading Spirit Of The Highway. However, I believe the book is written for an older teen and not a younger teen. The language and romantic elements are not appropriate for my granddaughter's age (6th grade), but more for high school age. This is the only aspect of the book that I had a "red flag."
    Spirit Of The Highway is a story of sacrifice, passion, and internal conflict. Ralph and Kate are in an impossible situation. They are from different social classes. They are from differing political factions. During this period in history marriage is not a choice, but arranged by families. Throughout the story their plight is the strongest opposition. The political climate is an opposition, but the attraction and relationship Ralph and Kate have for each other drew me in emotionally, and carried me through to the last page.
    Spirit Of The Highway is not written for a strong history lesson, but with the intent of showing two young people in an impossible relationship during the English Civil War. The year for the story is 1651, and this was the last year of the war.
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  • Margaret @ JustOneMoreChapter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reason why Swift is a favorite.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2015
    I was very excited to hear the sequel to Shadow on the Highway was in the works, especially that my wait wouldn't be long. Deborah Swift is a favorite of mine, her books The Lady's Slipper, The Gilded Lily and A Divided Inheritance were books that I really enjoyed. They took me to another place and time, had me totally captivated, hence why I was excited to find out Spirit of the Highway was being released.

    The Highway Trilogy is YA, it's a genre that lacks really good historical fiction - those with not just a good story but that you can lean the time period in an enjoyable and entertaining fashion. Spirit of the Highway is the 2nd book in the series. It definitely works as a stand alone, but I recommend book one, Shadow on the Highway, just because it's really good and tells the story of Abigail which I found very interesting.

    Spirit on the Highway is told from the POV of Ralph, his spirit that is. At first I thought what a unique prospective until I finally grasped what that meant. It really is a different approach, though at times I forgot about the spirit and then waited for a miracle of some sorts. It wasn't until I was reading the authors note that I really appreciated this POV. More on those notes shortly.

    There were a variety of characters here, some I liked and others not so much. With different and unique personalities Swift skillfully wove a story showing the various repercussions of war. From those that fought, those left behind, those on a mission for themselves along with the women left behind to struggle on their own. This book didn't hold much back in the way of details back in 1651, not just the struggles and hardships endured but a bleak future as well. Her knowledge of this time is evident here and her writing style makes it easy to get absorbed in the story.

    The Authors Notes explains that Katherine Fanshawe is a real historical figure which adds more life to this story. In regards ghosts/spirits Deborah Swift wrote a few pages entitled 'Ghosts of the Seventeenth Century' which I found just as interesting as the book and has me looking forward to the next/final installment in this series, Lady of the Highway (set for a 2016 release).

    Though YA I feel this series would be enjoyed by adults as well.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Reader
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good but not Great
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable but not what I have come to expect from this author. Will finish the trilogy and hope for more!
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2015
    Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review
    I absolutely adored" Spirit of the Highway" by Deborah Swift. This is the second book in the "Highway Trilogy" and it was a great way to jump into the 17th Century. Although clasified as a YA, I think that anyone regardless of age would love this story. Easily a stand alone even though it is a part of a series. Ralph Chaplain gave us a great point of view, as the story is told in his voice. Ralph is dead but he is a very important presence in the story. Lady Katherine Fanshawe and Ralph were a beautiful example of Romeo and Juliet. For me, Ralph really was the center character in the story and my heart went out for him.

    Overall, I learned a lot about the the events leading up to the English Civil war. The ending has me on pins and needles wondering where the character is going to take the rest of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed Swift's storytelling and plan to read many more of her works. I was happy to see her books offered at my library. Great story and great storytelling.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • CAROL MCGRATH
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book was excellent with fabulous appeal for adults and older teenagers
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Well, what can I say. This book was excellent with fabulous appeal for adults and older teenagers. I found myself totally absorbed again by the characters in Dee Swift's trilogy. Even though I knew about one destiny from the opening pages it did not spoil the journey. The English Civil War threw up many issues about how society should change and these were superbly integrated into the fabric of the narrative. I loved the prose. The story did not only contain well developed characters, the prose was lovely to read. It is also worth pointing out to prospective readers that the book is fast paced and the narrative totally engaging. How long do we have to wait for Book 3?
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  • Rev Robert Barker
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A good read
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  • Phil Syphe
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not Just for Young Adults
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Wouldn’t normally read YA fiction but I make an exception here because Deborah Swift is one of my favourite authors. Besides, having read the first book in the Highway Trilogy, I knew this one would offer appeal to this not-so-young adult.

    The supernatural element is subtle and well-considered. Had this evolved into a full-blown ghost story I’m not sure I would’ve found it as entertaining, but this isn’t the case. Also like how the ghost is portrayed as spiritual energy, as opposed to a man dressed in white robes or the clothes he died in.

    I’ve always figured that if ghosts do exist they’d be of a spiritual/invisible entity. I’m sceptical whenever people describe seeing a ghost of someone dressed in a certain way, as this suggests that when a person dies, so do their clothes, or that there's a special clothing store for ghosts.

    It’s refreshing to read a modern work of historical fiction written by a female author who uses a male character not only as the main protagonist but also as the narrator. Oddly, I had more sympathy with the hero’s sidekick, Cutch, than with the hero himself, namely Ralph. I could imagine sharing a jug of ale with Cutch, while Ralph – although not dislikeable – seems the type who’s hard to get along with.

    Downall, one of the antagonists, is one of the most vividly-portrayed characters. He’s not the stereotypical charming villain, but a believable nasty piece of work.

    Abigail – Ralph’s deaf sister who effectively narrates Book One – returns here. I find her an interesting and likable character that you can’t fail to sympathise with.

    Elizabeth – another sister – is a complete contrast to Abigail. She’s the sort you’d despise in reality, even if you were physically attracted to her, though in the fictional world she’s good to have around, adding spice to the story.

    As with the previous novel, Kate – aka Lady Katherine Fanshawe – is my favourite character. The author does a fine job of making Kate “real” by giving her a blend of strengths and weaknesses.

    I do like the concept of writing fiction based on fact, especially when featuring people who really existed, like Katherine Fanshawe. This is among few works that have made Katherine its main topic. It makes a change to focus on someone much less known or written about than, say, Eleanor of Aquitaine or Ann Boleyn. Also, a highway*woman* is quite a novelty.

    Must admit to preferring Book One to Book Two, partly owing to Kate being less involved, and partly through the overall plot in “Spirit” not enticing me as much as that of “Shadow”, though that’s not to say this sequel was lame in any respect. This novel still features a fast-paced narrative and portrays a vivid imagery of England during the 1600s.
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  • mrs dawn key
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant book with great historical facts intertwined with fiction, it's one of those books you can't put down.lloved it. From start to finish.
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  • amazon reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... genre for me but I have to say I enjoyed this pacy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    YA is a new genre for me but I have to say I enjoyed this pacy read. I found the hero, Ralph, irritating at times but that is what makes him so believable. As a hot headed young man, sometimes he reacts with his fists when it it might be more prudent to back away from violence, something applicable to young men of all ages. The detail of 17th century England is finely drawn and the characters react as real people. There is little room for sentiment in the story - apart from the love affair between Ralph and Katherine - and it tells of a time when the country was riven with brutal conflict. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of history and legend.
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