The Rebel

by May McGoldrick

Book Overview

The RebelWANTED...for crimes against the king.In retaliation for the brutality of the English troops. The Irish rebel Egan is fighting back, leading a secret group of revolutionaries-and building his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0739426648
• ISBN13: 9780739426647
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Rebel by Nikoo and James McGoldrick writing as May McGoldrick

The Rebel is the second and final book of the Rebel Promise set. It tells the story of Englishman Sir Nicholas Spencer, who was introduced in the first book, The Promise (Rebecca and Stanmore's story). The Rebel begins in London in December 1770 as the Stanmores are about to celebrate their first Christmas together, then moves to Cork, Ireland the following year where Nicholas first encounters the Irish Rebel, Egan. It is late August, and Nicholas is traveling with his mother and sister to Woodfield House to visit the home of an Englishwoman, Clara, daughter of Sir Thomas Purefoy and quite suitable to be his wife. He is resigned to his need to marry, both because he needs an heir, and because a wife is required if he is to fulfill his desire to establish and manage a shelter for the orphaned street children of London. On the road he comes across the frantic secretary of the local bishop who announces the bishop has been abducted by the rebel Shanavests. Nicholas sneaks up on the scene, and wrestles with the rebel leader, punching him in the mouth and freeing the bishop. Nicholas unmasks the rebel to reveal ... a bewitching lass who, unknown at that moment to Nicholas, is Jane Purefoy, Clare's older sister. Jane is not a suitable woman to wed Nicholas, her reputation forever ruined by her love affair with an Irish rebel who died on the gallows for his crimes. Needless to say, Nicholas and Jane's first meeting is not their last ... you'll need to read the book to learn the rest of the story! I found both Nicholas' and Jane's compassion and efforts on behalf of the poor and maltreated to be heartwarming ... this is a story of a strong heroine and a truly noble man. I gave it four stars. Like most romances, the ending comes a bit too quickly and it wraps up just a tad too neatly, but I think you'll enjoy the exciting ride in this well-written, historically accurate tale. I also highly recommend the first book in the set, The Promise, and think while both stories definitely stand alone, your enjoyment will be enhanced by reading both, in order.

Loved it!!

What an incredibly strong and dedicated character Jane was. And what a welcome change to have the man pining after the woman, trying to win her love instead of the other way around!!

MY KIND OF HERO!

Before you read this book, be sure to read "THE PROMISE" first otherwise the surprise in store in that book will be exposed in "THE REBEL".I've always have a penchant for rebel stories and this noblelady disguised as a rebel is one of my favourites.Sir Nicholas Spencer was on his way to Ireland for a holiday at the invitation of an acquaintance, Sir Thomas Purefoy, when he came to the aid of the victims of a highway robbery. His interference brought him face-to-face with the rebel leader, Egan - and instead of a ruffian, Nicholas found himself gazing upon the beautiful face of a woman and was instantly smitten.Egan later turned out to be none other than Jane Purefoy, the elder daughter of Sir Thomas. Jane's haunting past shadowed her life and shaped her future after a tragic event in her youth catapulted her into outlawness.It is refreshing to note that this story is written mostly from Nicholas's viewpoint. Compassionate and protective, Nicholas has to be the strongest hero character ever written by May McGoldrick todate. Characters from "THE PROMISE" are also prominently featured with further developments in this book.What with one hair-raising incident after another, combined with a suitably nasty and persistent villain dogging Egan's footsteps, "THE REBEL" prove to be a very exciting read indeed.

I loved it!

It was a page turner with enough mystery to keep me interested.I love this authors work!

exciting well-written historical romance

In 1771, Sir Nicholas Spenser, his mother and his sister travel to Cork, Ireland at the invitation of Sir Thomas Purefoy, who wants the aristocrat to marry his younger daughter Clara. Nicholas needs an heir and Clara seems the ideal candidate. On the trek, an agitated secretary to the bishop stops Nicholas' coach insisting that the Irish rebel Shanavests had accosted them. Nicholas helps the bishop by punching the rebel leader in the mouth, but is shocked that he hits a girl, who escapes. He learns that he fought with the vicious Egan.Later Nicholas asks Clara about the Shanavests. She contends they represent morality unlike the detached bishop. That night Nicholas and his family meet Clara's older sister Jane. Nicholas and Jane recognize one another, but he remains silent that she is Egan. Jane finds the nobleman desirable, but believes he will harm her cause. Nicholas pursues Jane as she fascinates him. As he learns from Jane about the Irish plight, they feel bound by love, but with the Irish question between them love may not be enough to bind their relationship permanently.The sequel to the entertaining THE PROMISE, THE REBEL is an exciting well-written historical romance that allows readers time to believe in the relationship between the lead protagonists. No one can claim that the idealistic activist Jane is not part of the solution. Nicholas' compassion towards the poor makes him a wonderful male protagonist, he pales next to Jane. Though the ending wraps up deep-rooted social problems much too neatly, fans have quite an exhilarating treat that will amplify the esteem received by May McGoldrick.Harriet Klausner