About the Book:
THE MYRTLE WAND
BY MARGARET PORTER
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Gallica Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Myrtle Wand, a retelling and a continuation of the classic ballet Giselle, restores original story elements to transform a tale of blighted romances and betrayals into a quest for redemption and restorative love.
Princess Bathilde de Sevreau, her school friend Myrte, and the peasant girl Giselle have heard the legend of the vilis, ghostly maidens who rise from their graves by night to roam the forest, seeking revenge on faithless lovers. Each will fear being ensnared by that spectral sisterhood…
Bathilde, destined for a marriage of convenience with Albin, Duc de Rozel, leaves her ancestral château for the Sun King’s sophisticated and scandalous court. As participants in royal ceremonies and entertainments, the princess and the soldier gradually recognize their deep feelings for each other, as well as mutual hopes for a happy and satisfying union. But the tragic consequences of Albin’s brief masquerade as a commoner and the amorous Louis XIV’s quest for a mistress divide the betrothed couple. Together and separately, they must overcome conflicting duties and unexpected dangers to determine their fate.
Praise
“An absorbing and touching tale . . . a fully realized, moving portrait of the storied court of Louis XIV.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“Lushly atmospheric . . .rich with historical detail. Porter imagines the story behind the iconic Giselle, transporting us to France during the early reign of the Sun King.” ~ Leslie Carroll, author of Royal Romances
Review:
Princess Bathilde de Sevreau has attended school at the Convent of the Ursulines in Niort, France. Bathilde forms fast friendships with Myrte Vernier, Francoise d'Aubigne and one of her family's vineyard worker's daughters, Giselle. However, Bathilde knows that she is destined to marry and fulfill her obligations as a Princess. She soon learns of her engagement to Duc de Rozel Albin and must learn to navigate the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King and his interests in Bathilde.
The Myrtle Wand brings to life the continued story of the ballet Giselle. Through the perspectives of Mytre, Giselle and Bathilde, life in 17th century France was shown through multiple viewpoints. The writing not only vividly described the landscapes, festivals and court, but deeply defined the characters and their emotions as they navigated life. I was very intrigued by Bathilde and her relationships with Albin and Louis XIV. The complications of court life and their own decisions created many tense moments. The Myrtle Wand is a slower paced historical fiction steeped in imagery and detail.
THE MYRTLE WAND
BY MARGARET PORTER
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Gallica Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Myrtle Wand, a retelling and a continuation of the classic ballet Giselle, restores original story elements to transform a tale of blighted romances and betrayals into a quest for redemption and restorative love.
Princess Bathilde de Sevreau, her school friend Myrte, and the peasant girl Giselle have heard the legend of the vilis, ghostly maidens who rise from their graves by night to roam the forest, seeking revenge on faithless lovers. Each will fear being ensnared by that spectral sisterhood…
Bathilde, destined for a marriage of convenience with Albin, Duc de Rozel, leaves her ancestral château for the Sun King’s sophisticated and scandalous court. As participants in royal ceremonies and entertainments, the princess and the soldier gradually recognize their deep feelings for each other, as well as mutual hopes for a happy and satisfying union. But the tragic consequences of Albin’s brief masquerade as a commoner and the amorous Louis XIV’s quest for a mistress divide the betrothed couple. Together and separately, they must overcome conflicting duties and unexpected dangers to determine their fate.
Praise
“An absorbing and touching tale . . . a fully realized, moving portrait of the storied court of Louis XIV.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“Lushly atmospheric . . .rich with historical detail. Porter imagines the story behind the iconic Giselle, transporting us to France during the early reign of the Sun King.” ~ Leslie Carroll, author of Royal Romances
Review:
Princess Bathilde de Sevreau has attended school at the Convent of the Ursulines in Niort, France. Bathilde forms fast friendships with Myrte Vernier, Francoise d'Aubigne and one of her family's vineyard worker's daughters, Giselle. However, Bathilde knows that she is destined to marry and fulfill her obligations as a Princess. She soon learns of her engagement to Duc de Rozel Albin and must learn to navigate the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King and his interests in Bathilde.
The Myrtle Wand brings to life the continued story of the ballet Giselle. Through the perspectives of Mytre, Giselle and Bathilde, life in 17th century France was shown through multiple viewpoints. The writing not only vividly described the landscapes, festivals and court, but deeply defined the characters and their emotions as they navigated life. I was very intrigued by Bathilde and her relationships with Albin and Louis XIV. The complications of court life and their own decisions created many tense moments. The Myrtle Wand is a slower paced historical fiction steeped in imagery and detail.
About the Author
MARGARET PORTER is award-winning, bestselling author of The Myrtle Wand (October 2022), The Limits of Limelight (September 2021), Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, and twelve other historical novels. After studying British history in the U.K., she worked professionally in theatre, film, and television. A historian and avid traveler, Margaret returns to Great Britain and Europe for research. She lives in New England with husband and dog, dividing her time between an architecturally unique book-filled house in a small city and a waterfront cottage on one of the region’s largest lakes.
More information is available on her website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
MARGARET PORTER is award-winning, bestselling author of The Myrtle Wand (October 2022), The Limits of Limelight (September 2021), Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, and twelve other historical novels. After studying British history in the U.K., she worked professionally in theatre, film, and television. A historian and avid traveler, Margaret returns to Great Britain and Europe for research. She lives in New England with husband and dog, dividing her time between an architecturally unique book-filled house in a small city and a waterfront cottage on one of the region’s largest lakes.
More information is available on her website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
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