Anand continues the story of the Whitmead family as a shipwreck during a violent storm off the Cornish coast sets Ninian Whitmead's life on a completely unexpected path. The only survivor, Parvati was brought from India and used as a "slave" by the pirates who did not survive the wreck. Forty year old Ninian, who never married, is captivated and eventually marries her. Despite Parvati's adopting the Christian religion, the Puritans never fully accept her and as England is swept into Civil War an accusation of witchcraft against her changes their lives forever.

The story continues with that of their son, Charles and his children. Charles, spoiled by his mother, is a pompous ass (to say the least), as he begins a successful career in shipping and the East India Company. Although his daughter Henrietta and Benjamin loved each other from childhood, their parents conspire to separate them and marry them to others. Henrietta defies her father choice, and disinherited takes up residence with Eleanor, a distant relative and they find themselves in the midst of the Monmouth rebellion.

Despite a strong beginning with Ninian and Parvati's story I found this book in the series even weaker than Women of Ashdon., especially the..well..um…unusual relationship between Henrietta and Eleanor. While not gratuitous in nature it was still odd and IMHO Anand could have told the story well enough without it. Most of the book is very slow paced, and I didn't find myself connecting with many of the characters, and their experiences with the Parliamentarians, the Civil War and Restoration England. However, the next up the series as Lucy Whitmead's story begins in 18C England and India in The Cherished Wives looks more promising. 3/5 stars and only recommended for those wanting to read the entire series.

The series in order,

The Proud Villeins
The Ruthless Yeomen
Women of Ashdon
The Faithful Lovers
The Cherished Wives
The Dowerless Sisters ( )

The whole Bridges Over Time series is great and would appeal to anyone who likes Edward Rutherfurd's sagas of families across the centuries and how they change and interact with historical events. Why are these books so difficult to track down? ( )