Green Hills and Prison Cells

I was immediately drawn to this book by its cover, and the contents more than lived up to my expectations. It is the first book I have read by Celyn Kendrick. Although this is the last in a series of seven, it can be read as a standalone.

In a modern day opening scenario, we step into the Lewis family dining room where there is an 18th century portrait hanging on the wall. It has been in the family for generations. The identities of the two men and one woman in the portrait are unknown. The two men in the portrait look similar to Stewart and Michael, who are currently gracing the table. Another mystery surrounds the origin of the great family wealth. Stewart and Michael begin to delve into their memories and their past lives which place them in the turbulence of 18th century France as they untangle the mysteries.

Celyn Kendrick is an exceptionally talented writer whose characters have depth, and the book's theme is clever as history is melded with time travel and reincarnation. The historical detail is impressive, exposing how social mores impacted on the behaviour of the characters. The dialogue between characters is nothing short of brilliant. Throw into this exotic mix some scandal, love as well as mystery, and you have a novel that is riveting to read as it builds up to a climactic escape from the French Revolution.

It is an intriguing and interesting read. I highly recommend 'Green Hills and Prison Cells.’

In "Green Hills and Prison Cells," Celyn Kendrick masterfully concludes the Green Hills Series with an emotionally charged and brilliantly written historical literary fiction novel. This book stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the indomitable human spirit.

Set against the backdrop of the 18th-century French Revolution, Kendrick weaves a tale of love, family, and the search for identity that transcends time. Stewart Rygby and Michael Dougal's quest to unravel their past lives and connect with the enigmatic figures in an old family portrait is both mesmerizing and poignant.

The author skillfully combines elements of romance, LGBTQ+ literature, and historical fiction, creating a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking. The characters are richly developed, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in their stories.

Kendrick's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution with vivid descriptions and well-researched historical detail. "Green Hills and Prison Cells" serves as a testament to the importance of understanding one's roots, even across lifetimes.

This novel is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable series, delivering a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally resonant. For those who appreciate historical literary fiction with a touch of romance and LGBTQ+ representation, this book is an absolute must-read.