Do you enjoy stories set in Medieval times? If so, you will like reading about Wales’ struggle for freedom in the 1400’s! Rhys and his brothers Gwilym amd Maredudd join the Welsh Crown Prince in the fight against King Henry of England. Lady Catrin the daughter of a Welsh mother and an English father, Lord Buckley, meets Rhys Tudor while she is riding with her stallion, Seren. Lady Catrin sympathizes with the Welsh but is engaged to an elderly Englishman until he helps to burn her mother’s burial grounds and church.
Caitlyn risks everything to help the Welsh...

Set during the Owain Glyndwr rebellion, this is a beautifully evocative novel which captures Wales wonderfully. The author brings the land and the time to life, with an MC who is English enough to deal with the lords and Welsh enough to be respected by her mother’s people. It’s 1400. Richard II has been deposed and is now dead. His cousin Henry IV has taken the throne, removing many Welsh lords from power whereas Richard had had a fairly good relationship with them. Naturally they don’t want to go gentle into that goodnight. What follows is the final end of the remains of the Welsh royal family and nobility. Henry IV was a better king than Richard, but he did deal harshly with the Welsh. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was historically accurate and meticulously researched, and the romance stayed a comfortable sub plot, instead of overpowering the whole. Highly recommend.

This historical romance set on the cusp of the 14th/15th century (depending on if you count from 0 or 1) fails to sparkle.

First of all the cover of this book is gorgeous!! This story is set in the 1400's in Wales during the reign of the new King Henry IV. It's hard to be Welsh during this time, especially if you're a Tudor, so it's not surprising that the people rose up in a rebellion against the iron-fisted rule of Henry IV.

The author's descriptions drew me into the story immediately. Catrin is a great character. She's English on her father's side and Welsh on her mother's, which kind of puts her in the middle of things, but a cruel and unwarranted act of violence by Henry IV pushes her to find her courage and follow her heart. I loved how she controlled her big horse, Seren, by speaking Welsh to him. Catrin's kind of shy at the beginning of the story but becomes a strong, brave young woman by the end. One of my favorite scenes is when Catrin tells off the Duke of Bedford, which helps her to decide to help the Tudors and the rebellion. During her time with them she grows into a confident woman whose bravery helps them win decisive part of the battle.

You could tell Rhys and Catrin were interested in each other from the beginning but neither acted on it. The rebellion was the focus of the story but the reader still gets a feeling of how these two characters felt about each other.

I think I've only read a handful of books set in Medieval times and this is a new author to me so I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I'm so happy I read this book. You can tell the author, who grew up on the island of Anglesey, did a lot of research into the time period and the Welsh Rebellion lead by the Tudor brothers. I love when I can learn some history while reading a great book. I'll definitely check out some other books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a well written book about a time and place that I personally know little to nothing about. It was interesting to learn a little bit about it and I think the fact and fiction blended well. I loved both Catrin and Rhys. They were good people who wanted to stand up for what was right in whatever way they could. Their attraction was apparent but it wasn't an insta love story. I loved that despite being a war story the reader got to learn about the strategy used in the rebellion but we weren't subjected to a lot of violence. No real amounts of blood and gore. That made it so the love story was not over powered by the rebellion. But the rebellion was a large focus. The book is a good, clean and interesting read.

No sex or language. Some violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

I loved this book!!! It is so beautifully written. I loved reading about the Welsh Rebellion. It is such an interesting time period. Rhys ap Tudor and his brothers were amazing men with great courage. The character of Lady Catrin Buckley was perfect for Rhys. The arc her character takes throughout the book is wonderful. The love of her Mother's people leads her to do courageous things. This book made me want to read more of this time period and also more of this author's works. So well done, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Read this!!!

Beautiful! I absolutely loved traveling back to the Middle Ages to the scenic setting of Whales! There are characters both real and fictional in the the tale of Welsh fighting for their rights against the English king. It is like a coming age story for Lady Catrin where she learns to fight for her believes and heart. The romance is heart warming. I didn’t want the story to end!

Romance, clean; Period
Rhys and his Welsh family's battles with the English, and his chance meeting of Lady Catrin, was a gorgeous period novel set in the 1400's featuring real historic figures along with fictional characters. Truth sometimes makes the best fiction! The struggle, the people, the setting, the intrigue, the battles all made for great reading, supplemented by a lovely, honest, heartfelt romance. Catrin was brave, courageous and stood up for her people and herself. Rhys was humble, brave, courageous and a perfect H for this novel. There were quiet moments, battle scenes, intrigue, just a perfect historical romantic read, although more of the history with a clean romance mixed in. There were perfect side characters as well. Loved the story!
I love visiting the past, will be reading more of her period novels that I have missed. More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but loved it, so rounded up.

#TheHeartOfTheRebellion #NetGalley
I'm typically not a fan of the medieval era, but this book had me from page one. Sian Bessey writes a well researched, Welsh time period piece. A rebellion is on the rise, which may cause big changes for Lady Catrin Buckley, who is awaiting her marriage to a Duke, when she has an unexpected encounter with Rhys ap Tudor,who becomes her battle of the heart. I love the cover and everything about this book. I was sad to see it come to an end.

This is the first book by this author that I have read - and it won't be my last!
I was engaged in the story - from beginning to end. I love historical fiction in general, and this story was well worth reading!
The story is based on certain historical accounts in the 1400's, with the Tudor brothers and the Welsh uprising against the English rule. There are some situations based on real facts and real people from the past, as well as very enjoyable characters and situations that the author created. Just so well done on all accounts.

I love Catrin's character. Such beautiful strength and conviction of who she is inside. Even though a noble woman by birth, she chooses a lifestyle completely different from what she was born into. I absolutely loved that about her. She is believably brave, and I really enjoyed how she stood up to the Duke!!
I love Catrin's father as well. At first I thought he was going to be one of those stiff upper-lip kind of people who only look out for his own best interest, but his fatherly love shines through.
And Rhys . . . strong, brave, caring, and faithful - and of course handsome - and an excellent archer. Loved his character. The connection between him and Catrin was instant, and the chemistry was strong. I loved their sweet, clean (but slow building) romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but opinions expressed here are completely my own.
I highly recommend this book - especially if you enjoy historical fiction, and clean romance.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel set in the midevil time period. Catrina and Rhys were a delight to read about their interaction that developed over time with the rebellion. I am hoping there is a second book that continues this story to have Gwilym get his happily ever after as well as find out more to Catrina story like her relationship with her Dad. Well written and clean! Loved every minute of this one!!!!

What an amazing story!

I really loved the medieval setting which was expertly written, showing us the political and social situation of the time. Such hard times.

It was great to follow Catrin's journey as she grew more confident in her beliefs, to the point where she played an important role in the turn of events.

Rhys and Catrin's relationship was slow burning and very satisfying to read.

Highly recommend.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my opinion.
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This was a really interesting historical fiction novel. I don't know anything about the Welsh rebellion, so it was really cool to learn more about this time period through this novel. Although I'm not typically a fan of battle scenes, the writing of the battles in this book kept my interest. The romance between Rhys and Catrin was sweet, and I really enjoyed reading this book.

4 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is ABSOLUTELY incredible! Every time I picked up "The Heart of the Rebellion", I felt like I was transported back to 15th century Wales, and was watching all of the events unfold before my eyes.

This is the first book I have read by Sian Ann Bessey, and I can't wait to read more! She seamlessly weaves historical events with historical fiction, and I found myself looking up this time in history as I continued reading to learn more and more. Everything ranging from the character’s interactions with each other, to everyone's inner thoughts, to the descriptions of castles and Wales, etc., felt extremely personal, vivid, and real. I truly feel like I got to know the characters.

The novel begins following the deposition and soon after death of King Richard II, and goes through early 1401 (don't want to post the exact event as it is a possible spoiler!).

If you love historical fiction, romance, the Medieval Era, or just feel like going back in time on an adventure, I highly recommend this book. I did not want to put it down, nor did I want it to end!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved it!

Another epic medieval story that pulled me right in! I love this author's subtle writing style that shows rather than tells, and I felt immersed in the setting, the characters, and the emotion. Catrin has torn loyalties with an English father and Welsh mother, but by following her heart she finds the courage to take a stand. I can't imagine living in a time of such harsh circumstances and oppression, but I know there are places in the world today fighting similar battles. This story is full of action and adventure but also explores deeper themes for a truly satisfying read. The romance between Catrin and Rhys is slow-building which brought a lovely sense of anticipation as I read, keeping a hopeful feeling even when the situation was dire. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

DNF

I would like to thank netgalley and Covenant Communications for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I like the idea of the story, but it's moving so slowly. Nothing is happening in what should be an action packed storyline.

Set in the Welsh Rebellion, circa 1400, The Heart of the Rebellion tells the story of the ap Tudors.. During this uprising, Rhys ap Tudor meets Catrin, the daughter of an English Nobleman and a Welsh woman from a good family. Catrin knows the Welsh language and ways, and soon realizes that her heart is with the freedom fighters.

The research is well done, and the story is strong and believable. You are drawn in by the beauty of North Wales as the setting, the well written characters and a romance that is credible. The authors notes at the end are important for letting you know where embellishments were made, as well as telling more of the history.

A journey back in time to the world long before the British Empire, when Kings were crafting the world we know with their conquering ways. To a time of knights and honor, king and country. This book is a beautifully written adventure about three brothers protecting their Welsh countryside from the invading English.

Full of adventure, bravery, and even love. This tells the tale of enemies, allies, and what happens based on loyalties.

Based on true people and events with fiction beautifully woven into the fabric. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Historical Fiction. The descriptions and the language makes me want to go to Wales and get lost in the fae and magic that was brought to life for me in this story.

North Wales, 1400. Rhys ap Tudor and his brother Gwilyn have been fighting beside Richard II in Ireland for the past almost three years.

Back home, upon meeting Lady Catrin Buckley, Rhys thoughts are occupied with her. But she is to be married to a much older man, the Duke of Bedford.

And that doesn’t make her happy as she enjoys her freedom. She is an accomplished horseback rider and enjoys roaming the beaches on her horse.

Meanwhile, the new king Henry IV, keeps raising taxes on the poor Welsh peasants. And there is nothing more to be squeezed out of them anymore. It can only lead to a rebellion.

The historical background of medieval time and the characters are interesting. There is some original language injected into dialogue. The story progresses smoothly, but at some parts it is a bit slow progression. Therefore, wishing for the plot to be more grasping.

I loved this book! Settled down with a cup of coffee, cozy blanket and a copy of this book and had my entire afternoon booked. Beautifully written and based on true events. Although several of the characters of the book were fictional, most were real people and I enjoyed getting to know them.