The Velvet Cloak of Moonlight

After the death of her husband, Tess is staying at her late husband’s family home, Merrick Court, when she decides to visit nearby Raleigh Castle. While there, she has incredibly vivid visions of the life and people who lived there during the 17th century. Even after she leaves the castle to return home, she continues to have the same strange dreams, and she becomes more and more entwined with people who have been dead for over 400 years. Why does that life and time seem so hauntingly familiar. When she meets the new owner of Merrick Court, everything comes full circle. If you like Susanna Kearsley or Barbara Erskine, you’ll love this story of romance and history

A love story set amongst Cavaliers and Roundheads is echoed in a parallel story set in modern day Wales.
Some excellent descriptions about the siege of the castle juxtaposed with modern family dilemmas..
I really enjoyed this book which covered enough history to keep it interesting but not too much to make it a chore to read. Christina is a new author to me but I will certainly be looking for other titles by her.

The velvet cloak of midnight is two love stories for the price of one. A contemporary and historical romance unfolds, where the main characters have to face very differing challenges that need to be either endured or overcome.

Courtney expertly entwines the stories in more ways than one first thought. I particularly loved the way the couples, separated by centuries, connected throughout the story in a very believable way.

I would recommend this to contemporary romance lovers who would like to try historical romance.

I've read many books by this author, Christina Courtney never disappoints, I loved this one too.

The parallel time frame is set between modern day and ghostly tales of Cavaliers and Roundheads,

Perfect description, wonderful well rounded characters and a story to become immersed into.

A perfect read for an autumnal evening.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this well-written novel that alternates an intriguing matching story line between modern day England and the 17th century during the Civil War and found it a fast-paced read that quickly drew me in. The interweaving of the stories is so well done it will appeal to all lovers of sweeping romantic stories and not only those who are fans of time slip and fantasy romances.

The Velvet Cloak of Midnight by Christina Courtenay

The past and the present are inextricably entwined in this novel that links a romance from the past to one taking place in the present. Both are tied to Merrick Court, an ancient treasure and paranormal experiences that include seeing ghosts and seeing visions of what happened in the past.

Arabella Dauncy and Rhys Cadell star in the romance of the past and their story is interspersed with that of Tess and Josh who live in the present. A lot happens in this novel with besiegement of a castle in the past, a casino owner in the present pressuring Tess with monetary and other demands and relatives in both eras causing difficulties.

This was an enjoyable read with interesting characters and I would like to thank NetGalley and ChocLit for the ARC of this novel given in exchange for my honest review.

4 Stars

Another spell-binding read from Christina Courtenay in this dual romance, historical time slip novel. I adored every second!

In the present time, we follow the story of Tess who is recently widowed and unsure of her future as her beloved home Merrick Court is set to change hands to the next in line. And for Josh, the Kiwi new Lord Merrick, who knows very little of his Welsh heritage, it is a big shock and his first reaction is to want to sell. But there seems to be something in the air that has a magic effect on both Tess and Josh that solidifies their link to the past and has a powerful hold over them both. Could there be ghosts at Merrick Court?

And in the past, we go back to 1646 and the times of the Roundheads and the Parliamentarians and Raglan Castle is under attack, and it's a very worrying time for those inside the castle walls. In this part of the story we are introduced to Arabella and Rhys who seem to be drawn to each other from the moment they met, and it is a fascinating look back into life at that time and the politics and carnage that was devastating to many communities.

Loved the way the stories linked effortlessly, and believably, with a great balance of the historical and supernatural aspects of the story. The romances were captivating and the journey the reader goes on with the characters as they try and make sense of all that is happening is a pure delight.

Highly recommended for all those who love romances that span the centuries!

Coincidentally, this title came up for review while I was planning a trip to Raglan Castle in South Wales, and it turned out to be a perfect introduction to the site. It’s a well-written dual-time romance partly set against a pivotal episode of English Civil War history: the 1646 siege of Raglan, which was among the last Royalist strongholds to fall to Parliamentary forces. Today the castle is a picturesque ruin.

Tess, the young Countess of Merrick, is the likeable present-day heroine. A talented furniture artist, she gained her title by marrying her estranged late husband, Giles, a compulsive gambler who was killed in a drunk-driving accident. Because of his habit, she has little money to spare. The estate was entailed, so Tess expects to vacate Merrick Court once Giles’s closest heir is found and moves in. He turns out to be Josh Owens, a handsome Kiwi adventurer. Initially Josh wants to sell the place, but he comes to find rural Welsh farm life appealing. He finds Tess appealing, too.

The time-shifts are smoothly handled. Tess and Josh begin seeing ghosts and tapping into the past through the eyes of a 1640s-era couple who seem to be warning them about something. Arabella Dauncey, the dispossessed heiress of Merrick Court, lives at nearby Raglan Castle as the Marquis of Worcester’s ward. Rhys Cadell, a Cavalier knight, cares for her but is unsure of her loyalties. Courtenay provides wonderful visual details of the castle interior in its elegant former state. Readers are carried along on a daring moonlight ride and experience the siege as living spaces become overcrowded and Fairfax’s large New Model Army gathers outside, its cannonballs destroying Raglan’s walls piece by piece. Family squabbles, rumors of lost treasure, and a couple of nasty villains add to the entertaining plotline.

First published in the Historical Novels Review, November 2016 issue.

Tess has recently been widowed and is struggling to deal with the legacy of gambling debts left by husband and the fact that her beloved house Merrick Court will go to the next in line - Josh from New Zealand the new Lord Merrick, who is more interested in selling the house than living there

Through all of the turmoil she starts to have visions about this history of the house and the story goes back to the time of the Roundheads and Raglan Castle when it is under siege and the story becomes that of Arabella and Rhys

A great time slip story I particularly enjoyed the history part but it slipped backwards and forwards quite seamlessly - a book I would definitely recommend

One of my favourite genres is timeshift and this is an amazing example of it. Usually only 1 person experiences it, but in this case 2 people do - Tess and Josh. Tess actually experiences the siege of Raglan Castle in the Civil War, and Josh can see spirits from the time..

Wonderfully romantic and incredibly evocative of the period. I was transported to a world of fear and danger where even your friends and family could not be trusted.

The modern day story was equally complex and I enjoyed the way the story developed around who was going to end up owning/living in Merrick Court. Great characters in both time periods and I adored the title!!

Thanks to Choc Lit & NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There’s a real art to writing a good time slip story, and Christina Courtenay always gets it absolutely right. There need to be two equally strong stories to capture your attention and imagination and both stories here certainly engage. In both timelines, there must be strong characters that you believe in and care about. I loved Tess and Josh’s modern story – the first steps of their relationship, the other local characters, Tess’ horrendous sister, lovely nephew Louis, the menacing Marcus, Vincent the dog – but equally enjoyed the historical story of Rhys and Arabella set against its vividly drawn and meticulously researched historical background. And the shifts between the two stories – in this book, through the medium of shifting water, very well done – need to seem plausible and natural, and these most certainly are. I really enjoyed the ghostly edge to this book too – nothing uncomfortable, the natural appearance of ghostly figures in houses and gardens, often with a touch of gentle humour. The book’s strong sense of place and history is remarkable – Raglan Castle and Merrick Court, past and present, are vividly depicted. Beautifully written, I really enjoyed this book – if you’re a time slip fan, or just enjoy two strong romantic stories that sweep you away, I’d really recommend this one.

Loved this book from start to finish

The Velvet Cloak of Moonlight is a captivating tale of love across the centuries. The English Civil war is one of my favourite periods of history so I was eager to read this book.

I instantly fell in love with Josh, the hero in the present. He will be added to my list of all time favourite fictional heroes.

Tess is a feisty heroine with some tough problems on her plate, not least the huge house, lack of funds, mean sister-in-law and sinister casino owner, Marcus.

I loved the way the past echoed the present, as I am fascinated by the impact of the past on our lives today.

Would also like to hear more about Tess’ nephew, Louis in the future. He has definite potential to be a hero when he matures a little.

A really enjoyable read that I have already recommended to friends.

Time slip novels are among my favorite type of paranormal-historical-contemporary romance combinations. We get a glimpse of each and when tied together seamlessly the result is a fascinating experience – exactly like what The Velvet Cloak of Midnight delivers.

In the present day, Tess is experiencing the numbing death of her husband, the need to turn over her beloved home to a stranger and the constant battle against debt collectors, one in particular. The new heir, Josh, has no knowledge of the value and history of Merrick Court and it’s obvious his intention is to sell and get out quickly. Add in some unexpected attraction and you have a story line that is fraught with tensions, adjustments and possibilities to explore.

When Tess experiences visions of the past we are taken into the turbulent and dangerous world of 1646 and the siege of Raglan Castle. In this time we encounter Arabella and Rhys, a couple who face huge differences in spite of their attraction to each other. This world if full of danger, politics and war.

Between the two separate romances going on, visions of the past, ghost sightings and dangers faced all of these characters easily come to life in a manner that is seamless to follow from one time period to the other.

The Velvet Cloak of Midnight is one of those stories that it doesn’t truly matter what genre you prefer reading – it’s the combined story that is the focus and what drives you to continue on, discovering history and everlasting love in both the present and the past.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this title to any Contemporary, Historical or Paranormal reader. The characters will touch your emotions and their story is filled with tensions, attraction, arrogance, evil incarnate and a satisfying conclusion to it all. This one will touch your heart, and that’s what a really good story should do.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31140311-the-velvet-cloak-of-moonlight

This book has the perfect mix of ingredients for me: skulduggery and intrigue, mystery and adventure, romance and drama. I loved both the historical and modern-day elements equally, and felt moved by each of the characters in turn. I also found the depictions of family life and tensions convincing and involving. The writing evoked a strong sense of place and I loved the feel-good ending. A perfect book to curl up with and escape into!

The Velvet Cloak of Moonlight is an historical fiction which moves between the present where the heir to Merrick Court, Josh Owens, has arrived and is deciding whether or not to sell the mansion and 1646 with a backdrop of the lead up to the British Civil War.
In 2016 Josh is feeling an unexplained pull not only toward the mansion itself but also toward its current inhabitant, the former Lady Merrick.
In 1646 we are privy to the budding romance between cavalry officer Rhys Cadell and Arabella Dauncey as the downfall of Raglan Castle looms.

The dual narrative, separated by centuries however cleverly connected through paranormal occurrences, slowly unfolds to show parallels in the characters lives.
The language changes realistically as the story moves between the centuries. I was equally intrigued by both stories and one didn’t overpower the other. Both had equal amounts of romance, misunderstandings, danger and suspense.

I’ve discovered a new, to me, author and I’m so pleased she has many more novels I can lose myself in.

With characters to love and truly sinister characters to hate the Velvet Cloak of Moonlight is highly recommended for readers of historical romance.