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Words From Our Readers
You won't soon forget the Douglas Clan
History comes to life and invites you to be entranced. "In the Shadow of My Truth"
is the second epic novel by Deborah Richmond Foulkes in a series of three, that
explore her family's history but also the great history of "The Good Sir James."
The legacy of William le Hardi, the martyred patriot of the first book, "My Truth Lies
in the Ruins," is continued in the story of his sons, one of which is The Good Sir James
himself. William's widow, Eleanora Lovaine Douglas, vows to fulfill her promise of
continuing the fight for Scotland. She raises her sons to reflect the great values of her
husband. The three grow up to be King Robert's greatest soldier and most trusted
knight, a crusader knight and alchemist healer, and a dedicated squire in service to his
older brother, Sir James. What's more is that they grow up to be an honor to their
father and to Scotland.
The book begins in the year 1306 and follows to 1330. What it encompasses is a glimpse
into the true history of the Clan Douglas and Scotland's Wars for National Independence.
But the book holds so much more than that. Here you will see the majestic lifestyle of
medieval castles with all the pomp and flourish, you will feel the points of swords in battle
and see the death of soldiers all around, you will witness births, weddings and the crossings
into the Otherworld. All in such a vivid manner that you will think you had experienced it
yourself.
Deborah Richmond Foulkes spent two years in Scotland doingresearch and spent much time
in the libraries of Harvard University and The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.
I am quitesure that this is only a slight mention of the research involved, as this is the most
authentic presentation of historical novel I have read. While this is so, the book reads so
easily, so unlike a history book that you will forget that these are true stories and find
yourself immersed in a very interesting tale. The plot runs smoothly while Foulkes'
descriptive writing is flawless. You won't soon forget the Douglas Clan and will look forward
to the next book in the series, "My Truth...A Mist in Time."
Review by Heather Froeschl ( www.Bookreview.com)
Love, Adventure and History Set in "Braveheart's" Scotland
This is a majestic novel of sweep and power drawing the reader
into the events of an epic period of Scotland's history---the
struggle for Scottish independence. It also shares with us the
intimacy of a passionately-felt love story. The writing flows
smoothly as the scenes come to life---scenes of great bravery,
deep suffering, intense joy and tender love. Eleanora and William
Douglas lived in a different time and a different place, but the
issues they faced, the choices they confronted, the obstacles
they had to overcome, the love they shared, resonate with
us today. Against the backdrop of the sere, wild beauty of the
Scottish countryside, we are drawn into the human drama of
the war for Scotland's freedom, as William fought at the side of
William Wallace, "Braveheart"; as well as the personal struggle
of William and Ellie to be free of the domination of the English
king. William fought and risked all in defense of his truth, his
core values---and the issues of bravery and courage, the fight
for freedom and against tyranny are as relevant today as they
were in those years so long ago. An immense scholarship and
wealth of research supports and illuminates every page of this
novel and serves to immerse us in all the details of the rich
tapestry of medieval life, without distracting us from the essential
beauty and truth of the story. The photographs that illustrate the
novel are wonderfully evocative of a bygone time, as the story
breaths life into those old and hallowed stones. This is a novel
to be enjoyed by lovers of history, historical fiction, great adventure
and timeless love, as well as by those interested in seeking a deeper
understanding of the human heart.
Pat F, NY
More Comments on our books about the Douglas Clan
Well, you might see yourself mostly as a researcher, but you must be
doing something right as a writer. When I first started reading your
book, it seemed a bit dry. I loved all the information you had put into
it, but it didn't read much like a novel. However, half way into it,
I found myself deeply caring for the characters, and I was actually in
tears at the death of Gilley. (I rarely cry even over a sad movie.) Your
style is different, but it seems to me quite effective. Your description
of the growing up and character development of James is wonderful,
even the cause for his slight lisp.:-)
Liz D, TN
I have just finished the first book (My Truth Lies in the Ruins) and cannotell you how I feel so attached to the story. I have not read a book in my life which reaches into the soul of Scotland. The Douglas, so noble, so loyal to what is important; (you) have an amazing grasp into the history of a people who embellish honour, loyalty, and decency, but most importantly how those values apply to family.Andrew L, Ontario
Yesterday I returned from the Mint Hill NC Scottish Festival and today
I finished the reading of your second book, "In the Shadow of My Truth".
It was spell binding to say the least. I sincerely had a hard time putting it
down once I got into it. Now I await with some impatience for your third.
You really do have an ability to bring these historical figures
alive with great humanity and soul. I consider myself to have a Scottish
Warriors Soul and for me, your first 2 books have been an enrichment of
my destiny. Thank you!!!!
John Wallace, President of Clan Wallace Worldwide
Thank you for writing this book. I have not read anything as good, since reading all of
Nigel Tranter’s historical fiction books on the wars of independence. It was great to read
about William 'the Hardy' Douglas, as I had previously read so much about his son and knew
little about him.
John Douglas, Scotland
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