Valerie Anand

By Valerie Anand

A novel of Exmoor.

In this rich portrait of an indomitable woman, Valerie Anand crafts an epic tale of sixteenth–century life in an England at a crossroads: poised between Reformation, Restoration and ruin.

Lady–in–waiting Jane Sweetwater's resistance to the legendary attentions of Henry VIII may have saved her pretty neck, but her reward is a forced and unhappy marriage with a much older man and a harsh life on his farm. Her only consolation is that she still lives upon her beloved Exmoor, the bleak yet beautiful land that cradles Allerbrook House, her family home.

Played out in this remote, forbidding place, Jane's long and storied life is fraught with change: her fiercely protective nature leads her to assume responsibility not only for her own husband and child, but also for the rebellious son of her wayward sister. In time, she regains the position of a woman with status and property, but she cannot ignore the rumblings from London, as the articles of faith change with every new coronation.

Jane's small world is penetrated by plotting, treachery and even thwarted love as those she holds dearest are forced to choose between family loyalty and fealty to the crown.

Valerie Anand

Obsession. Revenge. Passion.

Everything changed for farmer Richard Lanyon on the day of his father's funeral. The events that took place that day will never be forgotten or forgiven. Now his obsession with his aristocratic landlords, the neighbouring Sweetwater family, will influence his every decision. Yet even as he moves closer to achieving his grandiose dreams of revenge, he is haunted by memories he can never share.

Richard's son, Peter, has his own secrets but remains devoted to his loyal wife Liza. Yet Peter's world will end when he discovers the shocking truth Liza has been hiding since she was a young girl.

As civil war rages over the throne of England, the Lanyon men are called upon to take up arms. What happens on the battlefield will change the course of this family's destiny yet again.

Set against the backdrop of 15th century Tudor England, The House of Lanyon is a vivid portrail of how one man's desire for revenge would have powerful consequences that will impact three generations to come.