Brothers at Arms: Linmore - The Early Years (Linmore Series Book 1) by Jemima Brigges

Book Blurb

Where did it all go wrong? The making and breaking of a friendship, and the aftermath… But who will take the blame – or bear the shame…?

Brothers at Arms – (Linmore – The Early Years) – (Linmore Series Book 1) – an epic family saga, set in Shropshire during the Pre-Regency Georgian era (1794-1802) – at a time when the French wars rumble on in the background – and life, with its family feuds and intrigues, continues in a rural England of the Agricultural Revolution.

(The Prelude to Held to Ransom)

Joshua Norbery knows, as the second son of the gentry, there is no future for him at Linmore; a fact his older sibling never allows him to forget. His father’s decision to adopt two orphaned children gives Joshua a friend in Charlie Cobarne, who shares his intention to join the army; and a torment in Charlie’s sister Sophie, who determines to go with them and follow the drum. In so doing she binds their friendship together.

Maturity creates problems when the boy’s Grand Tour leaves Sophie at home for her safety. Her feral response creates havoc, so Squire Norbery sends her to school to learn to be a lady. Once there, she befriends the daughter of a wealthy industrialist and makes plans for the future, little knowing who has most to lose if they should go awry.

A family bereavement, which leaves Joshua heir to the estate, forces him to abandon his plans to join the army, and makes Charlie question the direction his life will take. Sophie is in no doubt, but her obsession with Linmore leads to a misunderstanding that threatens its future.

When a crisis erupts, and a man’s life hangs in the balance, the ensuing family scandal forces Joshua into exile. Will the lessons he must learn be enough to restore his father’s respect? And what will the others do when they too are banished from Linmore…?

(A Coming-of-Age story)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Book Editors Review

A Very easy 5-stars. One of the best books we’ve read this year. and a winner of the BBE Recommended read award, given to less than 10% of books reviewed. The award is given based on the quality of writing, and story engagement.

Brothers at Arms wouldn’t be a book I’d normally choose, but it was recommended by a friend. And what a treat I’d have missed out on. This was one of my favourite books this year. It’s a captivating historical novel taking readers to the Pre-Regency Georgian era. Set against the backdrop of the the Agricultural Revolution, this book gives a detailed portrayal of rural England during the period. It’s fascinating.

One of the strongest aspects of the book are its characters. Joshua Norbery, the son of gentry, is perfectly designed. The dynamics of his friendship with Charlie Cobarne, are nothing short of brilliant. Add to the mix the complexities introduced by Sophie, Charlie’s unusual and disruptive sister, and it’s perfect. The author creates the opening of a saga of family feuds, intrigue, and enduring bonds.

The narrative has a balance of emotional depth and historical authenticity. Brigges’ vivid descriptions bring the Georgian era to life, immersing readers in a world of societal progression and personal struggles. The pacing is well-crafted, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists that keep the reader turning the pages.

The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams resonate through the story, making it a historical tale and a compelling coming-of-age narrative. The characters’ growth and maturation adds depth to the overall storyline. I adored the travelogue elements to it as well—just perfect.

This is a beautifully written and meticulously researched novel that will transport readers to another time and place. Jemima Brigges’ attention to historical detail, and her skilful storytelling, make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

I loved this book and look forward to the next one.

About Jemima Brigges

As an exiled Salopian, Jemima looks on her nursing and midwifery career as an apprenticeship for the love of her life. She started writing at the age of eight, but set it aside to study historical facts, names, and dates by rote; discover historical fiction in the school library, and later undertake a fascinating family history project, which encompassed the landed gentry and working classes. With a paternal great-great grandmother born in 1753, and a grandfather in 1826; Jemima has a real feeling for the Georgian era in which they lived.

Impossible, you may say – it is nevertheless true.

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snowdrop1941

Enthralling story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 16 May 2021

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I gave this book 5* because it was refreshingly different. I enjoyed the details of the characters and localities, which gave depth to the story. It started in Shropshire, but covered the limited Grand Tour in Europe as well. I am going to start reading the next book immediately.

Chelsey McQuitty

Wonderfully written

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 27 August 2017

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At first, this novel reminded me a lot of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, which I found to be enjoyable. I related to the younger sister who just wanted to be with the boys and enjoyed her older brothers’ willingness to let her be a part of their bond. The story follows the adoptive siblings into the Napoleonic War, which brings an intense edge to the book. This made it hard to put away. The scenes are well-written and will keep you engaged from one page to the next. It was hard not to feel like the characters were a part of my life, even though the novel was set in the 1700s. I especially loved how well the author followed the language of the time and created scenes that suited the period perfectly. This novel is perfect for anyone who loves historical pieces that are both engaging and beautifully written.

Elliott

Outstanding – a high quality read

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 17 March 2017

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Remarkable. I loved this book from start to finish and felt very at home way back in history during the late 1790’s and 1800’s. This is a story about a young Joshua Norbery, born of good family into a life of wealth and privilege, but tormented constantly by his elder brother. Yet a big change is at hand when his father adopts two orphans and brings them to live with the family at Linmore. The young boy, Charlie, becomes the shy Joshua’s arch defender and friend. They grow up together and take their Grand Tour together; they share their first adventures with women together and are determined to join the army together – hence the book’s title, ‘Brothers at Arms’. Unfortunately there is a maggot in the apple and their deep friendship becomes spoiled. The writing is exquisite, the story is exciting, and with excellent characterization to boot. I loved it.

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